The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday that head coach Darko Rajaković has completed his coaching staff for the 2026-27 NBA season. The group includes new addition Stephen Silas and internal promotion Matt Vest, solidifying the bench as the team prepares for its next chapter.
Stephen Silas is the headline addition, joining the front bench as an assistant coach. He arrives after leading USA Basketball through the 2025 and 2027 FIBA AmeriCup windows, posting an 11-3 record and securing a bronze medal last August. Silas brings 25 seasons of NBA coaching experience, most recently as a lead assistant with the Detroit Pistons. His resume includes a stint as head coach of the Houston Rockets from 2020 to 2023.
Matt Vest has been elevated from assistant video coordinator and player development coach to a full assistant coach role. He's spent the last three seasons working under Rajaković. Before his NBA time, Vest played professionally in Germany for seven seasons and coached at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Jeremy Castleberry returns to the Raptors staff after five seasons as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers. He was originally part of the organization during its 2018-19 championship run. The staff also welcomes back Ivo Simović, Vin Bhavnani, Eric Khoury, Jim Sann, and Mery Andrade.
The player development and video coordination teams have also seen new faces. Stephane Ingo, Isiah Price, and Aidan Wilson are joining Ike Azotam and Kareem Elliott in those roles. Ingo, a Mississauga native, joins from the Sacramento Kings organization. Price comes over after four seasons with the Chicago Bulls, most recently as their Player Development Coordinator.
Felecia Brown will return for her fourth season as the Manager of Coaching Operations. Her continuity helps manage the logistics for the expanded and experienced staff now in place. These behind-the-scenes roles are vital for daily preparation and long-term player growth.
Stability and experience define this new staff lineup. Adding a veteran like Stephen Silas provides Rajaković with a seasoned voice who has seen nearly every situation in the league. Silas's work with USA Basketball adds an international perspective that can be valuable for a roster with global talent.
Promoting Matt Vest rewards internal development and maintains tactical consistency. Vest understands Rajaković's systems intimately after three years in the video room. Jeremy Castleberry's return brings championship pedigree and familiarity with the Raptors' culture from his first stint.
This staff overhaul comes at a key moment. But losses like the 125-120 and 114-102 results against the same opponent highlight areas for improvement. A stronger coaching unit is tasked with turning those close games into more consistent wins.
The staff finalization arrives as the team reflects on its recent playoff series against Cleveland. The series ultimately ended with the May 3 defeat.
The new and returning coaches will be tasked with building on that immediately. Their collective job is to refine the team's offensive execution and defensive schemes before training camp opens. Every assistant brings a specific skill set, from Silas's offensive mind to Vest's developmental focus, aimed at elevating the entire roster for the long NBA grind ahead.
