4 key Toronto Raptors who must dominate with big names injured
By Mike Luciano
3. C Christian Koloko
Koloko has hit the rookie wall. Not only is he struggling to be as effective at scoring the basketball as he was in that dominant Bulls game, but he’s blocked just three shots in the last five games. Rather than ease him back into the rotation, Nurse is going to throw him right into the deep end of the pool against top competition.
Koloko still has his issues with foul trouble, and he hasn’t been as dominant on the glass as most 7-1 centers his size. In a perfect world, he could get his confidence up in those areas by flattening inferior G League competition. Unfortunately, circumstances require that he quickly learn from his mistakes.
Christian Koloko must get on track for the Toronto Raptors.
As a screener and shot-blocker, Koloko has been so effective that even proven NBA big men have to work around him. Having him protecting the rim will enable Toronto’s perimeter defense to be more aggressive, and that will be a huge asset against top guards.
Koloko has already given Toronto much more than they likely anticipated they would get through 15 games of his rookie season. If Koloko can give this squad a few dunks, a couple of clutch rebounds, and a blocked shot when the chips are down, he will have justified himself as the backup center over Khem Birch.