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Grizzlies, Raptors Connected By Developing Talent
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Grizzlies, Raptors Connected By Developing Talent

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Quenton S Albertie  |  Last updated Mar 12, 2025 8:46 PM ET

Darko Rajakovic is now in his second season as the head coach of the Toronto Raptors. At this point, the 46-year-old is just 46-100 in that role. However, there’s truly been development during their rebuilding process, which is what Rajakovic was really brought in for. Not only do the Raptors have a slightly higher win percentage (.338) than last season (.330), players like Gradey Dick and RJ Barrett have steadily improved under his guidance.

Grizzlies, Raptors Connected By Developing Talent

Interestingly, Dick nor Barrett–both of whom are lottery picks –aren’t the most talented players that Rajakovic has coached. Not in his opinion. Neither is Scottie Barnes, whom Rajakovic has repeatedly praised in his tenure as Raptors head coach. Immanuel Quickley, who is averaging career-highs in points (17.2) and assists (5.5) per game this season, didn’t make the cut either.

That mantle belongs to Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane.

“The most talented player I ever coached is Desmond Bane,” Rajakovic tells reporters while answering a question about player development. “He’s not the best athlete out there. He’s not the the most explosive. But his mindset and approach to details, I was really impressed with.”

As luck would have it, Rajakovic was able to coach Bane in his time with the Grizzlies partly because the Raptors chose to draft Malachi Flynn over him in 2020.

Flynn is now in the G League. Though he did score a career-high 50 points last season, he’s still averaging just 5.5 points (and 1.9 assists) per game for his career. Bane has undoubtedly had the better career thus far though, as he’s averaging 17.7 points and 3.7 assists per game. Over the past four seasons, the former TCU standout has averaged 20.2 points and 4.3 assists per game, staking his claim as one of the league’s most underrated players.

Bane, who was told about Rajakovic’s comments, says: “I truly believe I wouldn’t be having the type of career I’m having without his guidance.”

Recently, Raptors head coach and former Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic called Desmond Bane the “most talented” player he’s coached.

In Memphis, Home of the Blues, Rajakovic’s departure might feel like smokestack lightning. For the Raptors, it’s just music to their ears.

Proof Is In The Pudding

As previously mentioned, Dick has already blossomed under Rajakovic. As a rookie, the 2023 No. 13 pick averaged 8.5 points per game. This season, he’s averaging 14.4 points per game. Then there’s Barrett, a six-year pro who’s also averaging a career-high in points (21.6). In 2023-24, Barnes not only averaged career-highs across the board, he earned his first All-Star selection.

If the proof is in the pudding, Rajakovic’s dessert has been delicious.

As Bane only averaged 9.2 points per game as a rookie, there’s even reason to believe Rajakovic can mold Ja’Kobe Walter into a star-level player. Walter, the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is averaging 7.8 points per game this season. However, he has 14 games scoring in double-figures, with his career-high (27 points) coming against the Houston Rockets.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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