Raptors Rapture
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Hypothetical Raptors trade with every team: Eastern Conference edition

By Mike Bossetti

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 19: Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 19: Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 19: Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 19: Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics receive: Jakob Poeltl

Toronto Raptors receive: Semi Ojeleye, Celtics 2nd round pick (55-60 protected)

Why the Celtics say yes:

With Aron Baynes uncertain to return to the Celtics next season, Boston’s looks remarkably flimsy at center. Yes Al Horford is a top five-seven player at the position, but his desire to play power-forward, at least in the regular season, is well-known.

Jakob Poeltl can serve as an innings eater” during the regular season to soak up minutes, while also giving the team an option to play meaningful minutes during the postseason. Poeltl is athletic and quick enough that even as teams shift down in size, he shouldn’t have a problem remaining on the court.

With great hands and smart as all hell, Poeltl fits in perfectly in Brad Stevens system. It’s easy to envision Kyrie hitting Poeltl for roles to the basket and Horford developing a nice high-post game.

Giving up on a young, defensive wing like Ojeleye hurts, but with Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, and Jaylen Brown still on the team, they’ll find a way to survive.

Why the Raptors say yes:

Another result of too many big-men for a modern NBA roster, trading Poeltl for Ojeleye and a pick is more about fit than ability. Poeltl has shown flashes of a competent NBA center, but he certainly has not proved to be anything more than a replacement level player.

6’7″ and built like a brick s***house Semi Ojeleye has the tools to be an All-NBA defender. In his first season he displayed more than just the body and potential, consistently harassing some of the league’s best players. During the Eastern Conference Finals, Ojeleye was often tasked with the duty of guarding LeBron James.

The offensive side of the ball is a work in progress for Ojeleye who is very raw. Any trade for Ojeleye is a bet that he can become at least competent on both sides of the ball.