The Toronto Raptors have cycled through 10 different coaches since joining the NBA in the 1995-96 season.
One of them helped maximise the Raptors’ odds of winning a championship in 2019.
With that said, who are the best Raptors coaches of all time? Let’s find out.
Raptors Best Coaches in Franchise History
| Rank | Coach | Years |
| 1 | Nick Nurse | 2018-2023 |
| 2 | Dwane Casey | 2011-2018 |
| 3 | Lenny Wilkens | 2000-2003 |
| 4 | Sam Mitchell | 2004-2008 |
| 5 | Butch Carter | 1997-2000 |
| 6 | Darko Rajaković | 2023-Present |
| 7 | Jay Triano | 2008-2011 |
1. Nick Nurse
Nick Nurse took over as Raptors coach before the start of the 2018-19 season, when they took down the Golden State Warriors in six games in the NBA Finals.
Nurse implemented creative zone defensive schemes and aggressive blitzing during his time as Raptors coach.
The 2020 Coach of the Year kept the Raptors competitive after losing Kawhi Leonard to the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency, leading Toronto to a 53-19 season shortened by COVID.
Nurse compiled a 227-163 record in his five seasons as Raptors coach.
2. Dwane Casey
Dwane Casey helped Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and the Raptors become a perennial playoff team during his time with the franchise, establishing a strong defensive culture.
He guided the Raptors to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference during the 2017-18 season, posting a 59-23 record, and earned Coach of the Year honours.
Casey compiled a 320-238 record in his seven seasons as Raptors coach.
3. Lenny Wilkens
Lenny Wilkens oversaw Vince Carter’s growth into one of the league’s brightest young stars, helping the Raptors win their first playoff series against the New York Knicks in 2001.
He helped the Raptors get back to the playoffs a year later before resigning in 2003.
Wilkens compiled a 113-133 record in his three seasons as Raptors coach.
4. Sam Mitchell
Sam Mitchell helped the Raptors get back on their feet after losing Vince Carter in a trade to the New Jersey Nets in December 2004, leading Toronto to the playoffs in 2007 and 2008.
He developed strong relationships with his players and fostered a team-first culture of accountability.
Mitchell compiled a 156-189 record in his five seasons as Raptors coach.
5. Butch Carter
Butch Carter led the Raptors to their first-ever playoff appearance in 2000, guiding them to a 45-37 record.
He became the first coach to lead a team that won under 20 games to the playoffs in two years.
Butch Carter compiled a 73-92 record in his three seasons as Raptors coach.
6. Darko Rajaković
Darko Rajaković has overseen the Raptors’ turnaround after the franchise chose to undergo a full rebuild with the trades of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.
He has helped Scottie Barnes improve his scoring ability and maximise his fit next to RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram, two other ball-dominant players.
Rajaković’s high-energy approach and ability to develop players could help the Raptors reemerge as consistent playoff contenders.
7. Jay Triano
Jay Triano oversaw the post-Bosh era and guided Andrea Bargnani to some of the best basketball of his career.
He also helped DeRozan raise his scoring average by nearly 10 points from his rookie season to his second season.
Triano compiled an 87-142 record in his three seasons as Raptors coach.
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