Darko Rajakovic shares unique story about Kawhi Leonard's draft night
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 12:25 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic recently revealed a little-known story about Kawhi Leonard's selection in the 2011 NBA Draft. After Leonard was traded from the Indiana Pacers to the San Antonio Spurs, Rajakovic, then a scout, was in the draft room when the trade occurred. Leonard had been unaware that Rajakovic played a role in his path to the Spurs. The two connected in Toronto after Leonard's trade to the Raptors, where they reminisced about their shared past in San Antonio. As the Raptors look to improve on their recent playoff exit, they continue to integrate Leonard into their system.
- •Rajakovic was an NBA scout during Leonard's draft in 2011.
- •Leonard was selected by Indiana but traded to San Antonio on draft night.
- •The Raptors aim to build on their recent playoff performance.
- •Rajakovic and Leonard rekindle their connection after the Raptors trade.
- 12:25 AMYahoo Sports — Raptors news: Darko Rajakovic reveals forgotten Kawhi Leonard NBA origin story
"After the Toronto Raptors finalized their trade for Kawhi Leonard , head coach Darko Rajakovic revealed a story that the seven-time All-Star had never heard before. Upon Leonard’s arrival, Rajakovic caught up with Kawhi in Toronto, where the two reconnected from their days with the San Antonio Spurs. Rajakovic, who was an NBA scout ahead of […] The post Raptors news: Darko Rajakovic reveals forgotten Kawhi Leonard NBA origin story appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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