Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had positive words for fellow Serbian countryman Darko Rajakovic, who is set to be hired as the new Toronto Raptors head coach.
Speaking ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, which Denver leads 3-1 over the Miami Heat, Jokic said he had a big deal of respect for Rajakovic. Both men crossed paths professionally when Rajakovic was an assistant coach for Serbia in their 2019 FIBA World Cup campaign.
"I love it. He's a great guy. To go in 10 years from G League to NBA coach," Jokic said. "A of respect for him and his work. He deserves it. He's been through a lot. I think he'll do a great job there."
Rajakovic has been coaching in North America since 2012, when he was brought on to become the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder's G League affiliate Tulsa 66ers. He then moved on to become an assistant with the Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Grizzlies from 2014-2023.
The 44-year-old will become only the second Serbian NBA head coach, following Igor Kokoskov, who coached the Suns for one season from 2018-19.
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