Just three-fourths of the way through his rookie season, Darko Rajakovic took over as head coach of the Toronto Raptors. But the Indiana Pacers have already ingrained him deeply.
The Raptors have won two of the first three meetings between the first-year coach and the blue and gold team. For the blue and gold, their stature and transition play have proven difficult.
This season, a blockbuster deal has also connected the two teams.The two-time All-Star big Pascal Siakam was traded from Toronto to Indiana in the middle of January, and he has already appeared in 22 games for the Pacers, including two against the Raptors.
When Indiana and Toronto squared off north of the border in mid-February, Siakam was welcomed with open arms by the supporters of his old team. That evening, he finished with 23 points as his new team narrowly prevailed.
Recently, the two teams faced off in Indianapolis, where the players that were acquired in exchange for Siakam made their Gainbridge Fieldhouse debut. Before the two teams played, Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora made contact with their teammates once again.
Before the two clubs took the court, Rajakovic also gave a positive assessment of Siakam based on their brief encounters.Regarding the now-Pacers forward, the head coach of the Raptors stated, “He’s been playing in this league for nine years, and everybody understands what he brings to the table offensively, defensively, and with his abilities.” “I greatly respect and appreciate Pascal as a player.”
Siakam averaged 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game with Toronto this season while playing 39 games for the rookie head coach. Back in November, he guided the Raptors to victory against the Pacers.
When Toronto went back to Indianapolis late last month with Siakam as their opponent, they defeated Indiana once more. Despite having 27 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, the two-time All-NBA forward and former Raptor didn’t help his team win.
Still, Siakam was strong enough to prevail.Even though Rajakovic is aware of his potential for danger, he still finds it difficult to stop him.The Raptors head coach called him “a very well-rounded athlete and a wonderful match for Indiana.” He mentioned Siakam’s strengths as being in his post-up efficiency, mid-range precision, and transition play.
Siakam has made 22 appearances for the blue and gold thus far. For his new squad, he is averaging 20.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. The 29-year-old has recently appeared more at ease, and the Pacers are hoping that this will eventually translate into reliable performance.
