3 bold Raptors preseason predictions ahead of Jazz opener
By Mike Luciano
2. Christian Koloko averages 2.5 blocks per game.
Koloko will spend most of his rookie season in the G League, as Toronto took him with the expectation that he would head down to Mississauga and work on his offensive game. Koloko can still flex his muscles as a rim protector, which is where most of his NBA value will stem from.
Koloko was one of the best defensive big men in Summer League play, which shows that he lived up to his reputation as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. With many players that aren’t going to be long-term starters on the floor for Utah, Koloko will get a chance to really shine.
Christian Koloko should be a defensive star for the Toronto Raptors.
Koloko is not only a 7-1 beast with a tremendous wingspan, but he has uncommon mobility for a big his size. Nurse has proven to be a solid teacher of offense at this level, but finding someone with his defensive instincts and potential is uncommon at the collegiate level.
Koloko will be Eric Khoury’s responsibility for most of the season, but it’s not crazy to think he could be an impregnable part of the rotation by this time next year. If he turns into a shot-swatter at this level, Koloko will break down the door and earn some valuable minutes.