Darko Rajakovic Compares Scottie Barnes to Michael Jordan

Darko Rajakovic had high praise for Scottie Barnes.

Darko Rajakovic Compares Scottie Barnes to Michael Jordan

Darko Rajakovic with Scottie Barnes and Phil Jackson with Michael Jordan (Image credits - The Sporting News)

Scottie Barnes has been a focal point for the Toronto Raptors in the last few years. Barnes was drafted by the Raptors as the fourth pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

Since lifting their first and only championship in 2019, the Raptors have been rebuilding. After losing their key players from the 2019 title-winning roster, they kicked off their rebuild after picking Barnes. They also brought in Darko Rajakovic as the head coach after the departure of Nick Nurse.

After a poor second season in the NBA, Barnes bounced back in his third season and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. He made his second All-Star appearance and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team after his performances last season.

The Raptors head coach likened his star player to one of the all-time greats.

There’s no Phil Jackson without Michael Jordan. My Michael Jordan is Scottie Barnes.

Darko Rajakovic on NBA Serbia

Barnes has established himself as one of the best two-way players in the league last season. He is versatile, strong, and explosive as well. He averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 80 appearances.

Darko Rajakovic is a vocal figure and is well known for his passionate rants. He sees Barnes as a central figure in his system just like Michael Jordan was for Phil Jackson. It is high praise for the young Raptors star from his head coach.

The Serbian coach has been instrumental in revitalizing the Raptors after joining the team in 2023. It is the first time he is the head coach of a team after serving as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Memphis Grizzlies.

Michael Jordan helped Phil Jackson become a great coach

Phil Jackson is viewed by many as the greatest coach in NBA history. He won 11 championships and set numerous records throughout his coaching career. The 11 titles won are a record for most championships won by a head coach.

Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson hugging each other after winning the championship
Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson hugging each other after winning the championship (Image credits – NBA)

However, six of his 11 championships came with Michael Jordan. After signing as an assistant head coach for two years, Jackson was promoted to head coach in 1989. After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals in their first season together, Jackson and Jordan went on to win six out of six NBA Finals. Jordan was named the Finals MVP in all six of those title runs.

They even set the regular season record in the 1995-96 campaign as they went 72-10. Jackson was a tough coach, and it resonated very well with Jordan. The Bulls legend was a fearless competitor with a killer instinct.

Both benefited because of each other and created history together. Jordan won all his rings with Jackson as the head coach, while Jackson’s success with the Bulls would not have happened without the NBA legend.

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Darko Rajakovic and Scottie Barnes can turn the Raptors into contenders in the East next season

The Raptors under Rajakovic have shown steady growth with every passing season. They impressed everyone with their performances last season as they secured a direct playoff qualification by finishing at fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 46-36 record.

They were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. But they did take the Cavs to seven games. Scottie Barnes had a breakout playoff showing as he averaged 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks in the series.

The team’s performance was a sign that the Raptors are ready to be playoff contenders next year. However, they showed that they have championship aspirations after trading for Kawhi Leonard in the summer. Unfortunately, due to the NBA investigations, the move has been put on hold.

It will be interesting to see if Leonard joins them for the upcoming season. If he does, the Raptors will be serious contenders in the Eastern Conference next year.

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