3 reasons Raptors fans should get hyped over Christian Koloko

1. His defense

If Koloko is anything, he’s a tremendous defender who has already been honored as such at the collegiate level. Even though his Summer League offense was a talking point, his defensive skill was evident to even some of the unaffiliated fans in Las Vegas.

Koloko averaged more than two blocks and two steals per game in Summer League competition. The most impressive part of his defense is the versatility. Anchoring in the paint is one thing, but Koloko is able to hold his own out on the perimeter. That’s rare for someone with his bulk.

Christian Koloko will impact the Toronto Raptors on defense.

It’s been tough to find a seven-footer that can fit in with Toronto’s scheme. Where else can you find someone that can both block shots and handle himself when drawn away from the basket? Koloko might be able to fill that role on an NBA level if he manages to continue adding weight and short-area quickness.

As proved with the Barnes selection and Achiuwa trade, Toronto’s front office has decided that teaching the correct jump shot form is much easier than taking a defensively-deficient player and turning them into a star. Koloko’s innate ability will make him that much easier to bring along.