3 player comparisons for Raptors draft pick Christian Koloko

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: A general view as Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum announces Christian Koloko as the 33rd pick by the Toronto Raptors during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: A general view as Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum announces Christian Koloko as the 33rd pick by the Toronto Raptors during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors
Dec 26, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

High-End: Jakob Poeltl

The Raptors love Poeltl so much that they drafted someone in the same archetypal mold. The 7-1 Austrian has finally started to become an All-Defensive type of rim protector with the Spurs in 2022, and Koloko could be on a similar trajectory if he plays his cards right.

While he has the height and shot-blocking acumen to mirror Poeltl, what will really set Koloko apart is his unique mobility for a big man with his level of girth. Look no further than the Oregon game, where he routinely showed he could switch onto guards when needed.

The Toronto Raptors could find another Jakob Poeltl.

Poeltl is never going to be a 20-point per game scorer, but 13.5 points last year with San Antonio isn’t an unfair projection for what Koloko could do if he checks every developmental box along the way. Even in limited time with Arizona, Koloko’s power in the paint on offense was noteworthy.

The fact that Toronto is trying to acquire Poeltl so ferociously shows that they still have a thing for centers that are that big if their mobility is up to par. Much like Poeltl, giving Koloko tons of time to iron out the kinks in his game and accentuate his strengths could be a recipe for making him a double-double machine.