Kawhi Leonard and his return to Toronto has already uncovered a connection with Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic that even Leonard didn’t know existed.
Following the Raptors’ trade for the seven-time All-Star, Rajakovic revealed that he was inside the San Antonio Spurs’ draft room on the night Leonard’s NBA career began in 2011.
Rajakovic was working for the Spurs as an international scout at the time while also coaching in Europe, putting him alongside Gregg Popovich and members of San Antonio’s front office when the franchise made its move for Leonard.
“I was working with San Antonio. I was coaching in Europe and I was their international scout,” Rajakovic told Leonard, according to Legion Hoops. “So, the day you got drafted, I was with San Antonio in the draft room. I was part of the trade. I was like seven people. There was Lindsey, RC, coach Pop. I was there and a couple of scouts. And when we traded George Hill, and we got your draft rights, I was there when you got drafted.”
Leonard had no idea his new head coach had been there for one of the biggest moments of his career.
“Wow, that’s crazy,” Leonard replied.
“Small world,” Rajakovic said.
Leonard was selected 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers before his draft rights were sent to San Antonio alongside the 42nd overall pick, Davis Bertans. The Pacers received George Hill, who had spent his first three NBA seasons with the Spurs.
While Leonard didn’t know Rajakovic had been directly involved on draft night, he did remember seeing him around San Antonio during his early days with the organization.
“I remember seeing you around very vaguely,” Leonard said. “Because Pop brings all the coaches over. So, I remember you a little bit, yeah.”
More than 15 years later, the two have now crossed paths again under very different circumstances.
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