"The Raptors go from a big team to a small team faster than maybe any other team in the NBA. When they start Jakob Poeltl they're huge. When Poeltl exits the lineup (and with Mo Bamba recently released) the Raptors immediately shrink to a squad without a single player taller than 6-foot-9. Even the Hornets, without their gargantuan rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner, can pivot to Moussa Diabate if they so choose."
"Sandro Mamukelashvili has done a very good job of providing punch and spacing from the frontcourt, but no man is an island. These Raptors don't shoot the lights out. They try to guard up, bash and smash, and use their mobility even if it doesn't come with conventional spacing. This has consistently put a burden on the likes of Scottie Barnes (for years now) and now Collin Murray-Boyles to battle with big(ger) boys."
"Somehow, the Raptors have continued to piece together wins, to survive on the glass despite this. In fact, they haven't given up an above average offensive rebounding performance to a single team since Poeltl's exit against Brooklyn. You can even look at Brandon Ingram's career high in defensive rebounding and block-percentage, which is borne out of the Raptors needing more around the basket on defense."
Raptors shift from a big to a small roster quickly depending on Jakob Poeltl's presence, and shrink to no player taller than 6-foot-9 when he is out. The team cannot replicate traditional small-ball spacing; Sandro Mamukelashvili provides frontcourt punch and spacing but shooters are limited. Defensive approach emphasizes guarding up, physicality, and mobility, placing sustained burdens on forwards like Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles to battle larger opponents. The Raptors have managed wins and rebounding resilience, avoiding above-average offensive rebounding by opponents since Poeltl's exit, and Brandon Ingram's defensive stats reflect increased rim responsibilities. The team is defined by forward play and relentless effort.
Read at Raptors Republic
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