"Coming into the season locked into a four-year, $104 million extension, the big man now carries the responsibility of proving he's worth every penny. He's part of a rare group of players to have had two separate stints with the Raptors. Originally drafted by Toronto, Poeltl was shipped to San Antonio with fan favourite DeMar DeRozan in the blockbuster Kawhi Leonard deal before making his way back at the 2023 trade deadline."
"Poeltl averaged a career-high 29.6 minutes across 57 games, and with thin depth behind him, he may eclipse that mark again this year—though Sandro Mamukelashvili could surprise and lighten the load. Offensively, Poeltl posted career highs across the board: field goal attempts (10.2), field goals made (6.4), free throws (1.7), free throw percentage (67.4), defensive rebounds (6.3), total rebounds (9.6), steals (1.2), and points per game (14.5)."
"Even so, his role is shifting. Last year, Poeltl often operated as the fourth option in the pecking order behind Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, with Gradey Dick occasionally bumping him even further down depending on lineup construction. This season, the arrival of Brandon Ingram will almost certainly cement him as the fifth option offensively. That might actually suit him: Poeltl is an underrated facilitator"
Jakob Poeltl enters the season as Toronto’s starting center on a four-year, $104 million extension and must justify the contract. He returned to the Raptors at the 2023 trade deadline after previously being traded to San Antonio in the Kawhi Leonard deal, a move that cost a draft pick that became the 8th overall selection in 2024. Last season produced career highs across minutes, scoring, rebounding, and steals, and Poeltl improved his free-throw shooting past 60 percent. With Brandon Ingram joining the roster, Poeltl’s offensive role will likely shrink to a fifth option, while he remains a primary interior anchor and facilitator.
Read at Raptors Republic
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