The Toronto Raptors are currently 3-4 on the young season, as they chug along on their four game road trip. Game 3 of that road trip is against Luka Doncic and the 6-1 Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks come into this matchup winning two straight against the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic.
Doncic lead the way with 29 points in their latest 117-102 win against the Magic. The 6’7″ guard is averaging 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.9 assists on 49.3% shooting from the field and 41.3% shooting from deep.
Originally from Slovenia, Doncic has quickly solidified himself as one of the best guards in the entire league with the ability to do it all. Toronto will have their hands full trying to contain him and his co-star Kyrie Irving.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, from Serbia as well, was asked if Doncic is the best European player ever. Rajakovic mentioned former MVP Nikola Jokic and made sure to mention his starting point guard Dennis Schroder:
Raptors Coach Darko Rajaković talks about coaching against a 14 year old Luka and is asked if he’s the best European player of all time? Dennis Schröder listens on eagerly…😂 pic.twitter.com/m1LR3fgnd2
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) November 8, 2023
Schroder was signed this offseason when Fred VanVleet departed for the Houston Rockets. The former Los Angeles Laker was signed to a two-year, $26 million contract.
The German guard has had a solid start in his first season with Toronto. Currently averaging 16.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1 steal on 46.2% shooting from the field and 41.7% shooting from 3.
Doncic and Schroder are set to face off and time will tell if Rajakovic was jokingly right to include his starting point guard in the best European player conversation.
Gregg Popovich shares high praise for Rajakovic
Rajakovic is trying to get the Raptors to .500 with a win over the Mavericks.
He has seemingly been able to connect with the players thus far.
Rajakovic is coming off a 22-point comeback overtime win against the San Antonio Spurs and head coach Gregg Popovich had high praise for the Raptors head coach.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
