{
  "id": 13111724,
  "title": "Darko Rajakovic on Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes and the Raptors’ championship ambitions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/darko-rajakovic-on-kawhi-leonard-scottie-barnes-and-the-raptors",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/nba/1131686/darko-rajakovic-interview-kawhi-leonard-scottie-barnes-and-the-raptors-championship-ambitions"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Darko Rajakovic, the head coach of the Toronto Raptors, has successfully bridged the gap between European and American coaching styles. Known for his emotional exchanges with referees and his ability to connect with players, Rajakovic has led the Raptors to significant progress in their rebuilding process. Despite facing initial challenges, including a 76-day delay in bringing in Kawhi Leonard, Rajakovic remains committed to the team's ambitious goal of competing for championships. Rajakovic highlights Leonard's positive impact on the team, praising his experience, leadership, and maturity. He also expresses confidence in the complementary relationship between Leonard and Scottie Barnes, as well as the potential for the team to grow and improve under Rajakovic's guidance.",
  "summary": "There is a common narrative that European coaches struggle in the NBA because of their demanding and emotional approach. That it is one of the biggest things holding them back because they want to put themselves at the center of attention, while the NBA is ultimately a players’ league. They are often viewed as too […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}