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Toronto Raptors: 15 best draft picks of all-time

By Mike Bossetti

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 17: Vince Carter
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 17: Vince Carter /
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Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – MAY 01: Jakob Poeltl #42 of the Toronto Raptors looks on in the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 1, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

player. 81. . Center. University of Utah. Jakob Poeltl. 12

Drafted with the ninth pick just one season after taking his former teammate Delon Wright, Jakob Poeltl would be a starter on several NBA teams. Unfortunately for Poeltl, he is stuck behind Jonas Valanciunas, a player you might just hear more about later on this list.

Averaging less than 16 minutes per game so far in his career, Poeltl’s impact has only been limited by his time on the court. With a glut of big-men such as Jonas Valanciunas, Serge Ibaka, and Pascal Siakam also on the roster, earning consistent minutes is a difficult proposition for any second-year player.

When examining Poeltl’s statistics per 36 minutes, his impact becomes much more clear. Per 36 minutes Poeltl is averaging 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, including 3.9 offensive rebounds and has a net rating of +7.6. Impressive numbers for any center, let alone one as young as Poeltl.

Poeltl has an impressive offensive skill-set that is developing every game. He has great hands, is a skilled finisher around the basket and has shown flashes of an exceptional interior passing game. A smart player with room to grow, don’t be surprised if Poeltl ends up higher on this list in due time.