Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic reflected on his coaching journey, Nikola Jokic and the future of European basketball during an appearance on the Aca Stojanovic ALESTO podcast.
Rajakovic’s career has been defined by persistence and a focus on development rather than immediate results. The Serbian coach left Crvena Zvezda after going unpaid, spent time without a team and even coached in Spain’s fifth division.
During some of the most difficult periods of his career, he survived on inexpensive McDonald’s meals while continuing to pursue coaching opportunities.
Those experiences helped shape Rajakovic’s approach to building relationships with players.
In Toronto, he has developed a particularly strong connection with Scottie Barnes, whom he considers his own Michael Jordan because of the forward’s willingness to work hard and contribute in multiple areas.
Rajakovic also offered major praise for fellow Serbian Nikola Jokic.
“I think Nikola Jokic is the best Serbian player of all time. I think he is one of the best players in the history of sports,” he said.
The Raptors coach also discussed the changing landscape of European basketball and the potential arrival of NBA Europe.
While praising the EuroLeague’s passionate supporters, Rajakovic believes the competition still has considerable room to improve organizationally.
“I think that in Europe, the best thing about the EuroLeague is the fans. EuroLeague has fantastic fans, fantastic support, fantastic love, and commitment of the fans to their teams. However, organizationally, the EuroLeague must be better, and I think the best thing that can happen for European basketball would be to reach some kind of agreement with the NBA, and when NBA Europe comes here, for them to work together, NBA Europe and the EuroLeague,” Rajakovic said.
Darko Rajakovic envisions growth with NBA Europe: “The best thing”https://t.co/DWYiVS4bEz
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 7, 2026
