3 emerging storylines to watch ahead of Raptors-Celtics game

1. Christian Koloko unleashed

The Raptors were able to get a tiny glimpse of Koloko and what he could be in the right hands during the opener, as he finishes off a couple of dunks and looked as athletic as one could be for a 7-1 youngster. By the end of the preseason, Toronto needs to have a better picture of his ability.

Koloko recorded seven points and three rebounds in his limited action, but he did not look out of place in the NBA. Before he inevitably gets exiled to the G League alongside Eric Khoury and Christian Siakam, the Cameroonian big must be given as much freedom as possible in the preseason.

Toronto Raptors rookie Christian Koloko must be shown off.

Despite the fact he is a three-year college contributor, Koloko is still a bit raw. Every game they spend gluing him to the bench only takes time away from sharpening him into a viable NBA big man. Perhaps getting some extra jumpers up wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.

Koloko is going to be handled very judiciously, as molding someone with no outside game into a quality shooter will take some time. The preseason is the best time Toronto will get when it comes to letting Koloko play with the ball in his hands and make his presence known.