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Raptors Begin to Fill Assistant Coaching Staff With First Two Hires
With the head coaching job now finalized, the Toronto Raptors are beginning to turn their attention to the rest of the coaching staff.
Former Raptors assistant Jama Mahlalela, previously of the Golden State Warriors, and Wizards assistant coach Pat Delany will reportedly be joining Toronto’s staff for next season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The two become head coach Darko Rajaković’s first assistant coaches hired, joining returning Raptors assistant Jim Sann as the only members of the coaching staff so far.
Mahlalela was an assistant on Toronto’s staff from 2013 to 2018 before taking over as the head coach of the Raptors 905 for two seasons. He then returned to Toronto’s staff in 2020-21 before leaving for Golden State.
Delany has been with the Wizards since 2021. Prior to that he worked for Orlando, Charlotte, and Miami.
It’s unclear how many assistants Toronto is looking to hire for next season. The team had one of the largest coaching staffs in the NBA last year but that is not expected to continue.
Former assistant coach Adrian Griffin has left to take over the head coaching job for the Milwaukee Bucks, taking with him former Raptors assistant Nate Mitchell. Rico Hines, meanwhile, has joined Nick Nurse’s coaching staff in Philadelphia.
Further Reading
Report: Plenty of 'Buzz' About Raptors Moving Up in NBA Draft
Bobby Webster Explains Raptors' Offseason Plans & Goals for Free Agency
Rico Hines to Join Nick Nurse's Staff With 76ers
Darko Rajaković's Passion for Development Makes Clear Why Raptors Tabbed Him for Coach
