Raptors Rapture
Fansided

Toronto Raptors season report cards: Grades for each Individual

By Jordan Skuse

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Wizards during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Wizards during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 17
Next
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 26: Jakob Poeltl
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 26: Jakob Poeltl /

Jakob Poeltl

As the team’s lone lottery pick, Jakob Poeltl should be further along in his development than he presently is. With that being said, he did have an encouraging sophomore season, all things considered – one that saw him play all 82 regular season games.

Poeltl quickly established himself as a capable rim protector in year two – increasing his blocks per 100 possessions from 1.6 to 3.2. Where he fell short on the defensive side of things was his lack of physicality. He, like most young players, needs to get stronger. Otherwise, he’ll continue getting pushed around by opposing players, such as Tristan Thompson who abused Poeltl in the Cavaliers series.

Another issue that limited Poeltl was foul trouble. He led the team in fouls despite playing only the sixth most minutes. He’s mobile and possesses solid footwork, but too often gets outmuscled, leaving him little choice but to foul.

Offensively, Poeltl excels as a screener. He does a great job rolling and presenting himself to guards – his hands are exceptional. He does an excellent job catching and corralling passes and finishing inside. Extending his range beyond the painted area is a must.

Similar to Valanciunas, Poeltl likely didn’t foresee himself needing to shoot many threes in his NBA career. Well, things change.

Finally, the playoffs didn’t go well for the Austrian, but he wasn’t alone in failing to deliver the goods when it mattered most. Struggles aside, Poeltl remains Toronto’s most tenacious offensive rebounder (along with JV) and figures to be a valuable piece for the Raptors moving forward, provided he grows in certain areas. Don’t rule out a possible trade involving him, either.

GRADE: B- (F in the playoffs)

Home/Raptors News