Jakob Poeltl anchors the Raptors and the team suffers a nearly 10-point per 100 possessions drop without him. Poeltl offers passing and short-roll creation but lacks shooting, creating spacing challenges for a perimeter-poor roster. The backup group remains unsettled, forcing the Raptors toward a committee approach rather than a single traditional center. Jonathan Mobgo, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and possibly Ulrich Chomche are expected to share minutes and responsibilities, with mobility and switching prioritized. Jonathan Mobgo showed notable defensive versatility as a rookie, including extensive switching in pick-and-rolls. The bench’s effectiveness will determine whether the team can cover Poeltl’s absence.
Even Poeltl isn't perfect. For a team that lacks shooting to have a non-shooting big man as their starting center is testing the limits of what functional spacing looks like on an NBA court. And while that might be overstated, specifically because of Poeltl's utility as a passer and short-roll creator, it's still a hurdle the Raptors will have to come across; a weakness they'll have to address. Or paper over.
Keep in mind that last season, the Raptors were nearly 10 points per 100 possessions worse when Poeltl was off the floor. He is essential to everything they want to do. However, it also reveals a great deal about their limited options. Now to the platoon behind him for this upcoming season. Jonathan Mobgo, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and perhaps Ulrich Chomche will serve as the Raptors' big man bullpen, and how useful they are can prove to be a massive swing.
They say you're only as strong as your weakest link, and that is undoubtedly true in the NBA. Teams are sophisticated enough to poke and prod at an opposing team's weaknesses, egging them on to find some sort of solution to the problem. That's why versatility reigns supreme. A team needs options to turn to when specific situations arise.
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