Raptors news: Darko Rajakovic reveals forgotten Kawhi Leonard NBA origin story appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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.

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Rajakovic, who was an NBA scout ahead of Leonard’s rookie season with the Spurs, talked about being present with the front office during the 2011 NBA Draft, where Kawhi was selected 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers before he was traded to San Antonio, he said, per Legion Hoops.

“I was working with San Antonio. I was coaching in Europe and I was their international scout,” Rajakovic told Leonard. “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.”

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Kawhi Leonard had no idea that Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic was alongside the Spurs’ brass when they completed their trade with the Pacers.

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“Wow, that’s crazy,” Leonard replied, which Rajakovic responded, “Small world.”

Kawhi recalled seeing Rajakovic around the Spurs throughout his first season, but didn’t know the former scout was in the team’s war room during draft night.

“I remember seeing you around very vaguely,” Leonard said. “Because Pop brings all the coaches over. So, I remember you a little bit, yeah.”