Jakob Poeltl having significant impact in return to the Raptors
February 25, 2023
Jakob Poeltl (YouTube)
Over the last three seasons, the Toronto Raptors has been unable to have an impact player in their lineup at the center position. Just over two years ago, they lost their two big men from their 2019 championship team to free agency (Marc Gasol of Barcelona, Spain signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on November 24, 2020 and Serge Ibaka of Brazzaville, Congo signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on November 25, 2020). Since then, the Raptors tried Brisbane Bullets center Aron Baynes, Canadian Khem Birch of Montreal, Quebec, and 2022 second round pick Christian Koloko of Douala, Cameroon to fill the void, but they have not had significant impact.
At the trade deadline, the Raptors made a deal with the San Antonio Spurs in bringing back center Jakob Poeltl of Vienna, Austria. Poeltl was initially selected by the Raptors ninth overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, and played two seasons in Toronto before being traded to San Antonio in the high profile DeMar DeRozan/Kawhi Leonard deal.
So far, Poeltl has been outstanding and has been everything that the Raptors have hoped for. In four games, he is averaging 15.8 points per game, nine rebounds per game, 2.5 blocks per game, 1.8 assists per game, 1.5 steals per game, and an outstanding field goal percentage of .829.
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 27)
Among the most notable games came on February 14 and February 23. On February 14, Poeltl had an impressive 30 points in a 123-113 win over the Orlando Magic. Then last night, he had a career-high 18 rebounds (to go along with 21 points) in a 115-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Most importantly, the Raptors are at three wins and one loss with Poeltl. With the wins, Toronto has improved to 29-31 and have a two and a half game lead over the ice cold Chicago Bulls (losers of six straight) for the final spot in the NBA play-in tournament. The Raptors are also four games back of the New York Knicks for the sixth spot in the East.
Fill In The Form Below To Receive Our NBA News Straight To Your Email For FREE!
January 15, 2026
Golf: Three golfers who could win the Sony Open
The PGA season was supposed to start a week ago in Maui However, due to a drought in 2025, the Tournament of Champions did not take place and the season was delayed a full week Here are the three Read MoreJanuary 15, 2026
Opinion: Yankees acquisition of southpaw starter Ryan Weathers is risky
There was a trade made between the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins on Tuesday, and anyway you look at it, this trade is very risky for the Yankees The reason is because the only player the Yankees Read MoreJanuary 15, 2026
Pirates trade reliever Chase Shugart to Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies attempted to improve their bullpen on Tuesday by acquiring right handed relief pitcher Chase Shugart of Bridge City, Texas from the Pittsburgh Pirates for  minor league Read More
Tell Us What You Think Below