3 questions the Raptors must answer after the All-Star break
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors needed the All-Star break as badly as any team in the league. Not only will this give the club more time to integrate trade acquisition Jakob Poeltl into their scheme, but it will allow them to catch their breath as they gear up for a postseason push.
Masai Ujiri’s hesitancy to trade away big names like Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby shows that he is a full believer in the idea that a team led by VanVleet, All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, and reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes could make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
Despite blowing a home lead against the Jazz, home wins against the Pistons and Magic helped Toronto go into the break with some momentum despite the quality of their opponents. This should still be a period of reflection and analysis for a Raptors team that is far from stable.
The Raptors need to come out of the All-Star break with these three questions answered with unequivocal responses. The longer it takes for this new-look roster and season to take shape, the worse results the team will accrue.
3 burning questions the Toronto Raptors must answer.
3. Will Jakob Poeltl stay hot?
Poeltl’s third game after the trade was his best individual performance in the NBA, as he scored 30 points on 15-17 shooting while recording nine rebounds and six blocks. The only other players in the NBA that have ever scored 30 with such efficiency and zero free throws are David Robinson and Klay Thompson.
Poeltl has clearly changed the shape of the Raptors, but will this last when Anunoby gets back? A lineup that has struggled with shooting and spacing is only going to get worse as long as they have a 7-1 center that is completely neutralized when he is pulled out of the paint.
Will the Toronto Raptors get offensive value out of Jakob Poeltl?
The optimists will point to the fact that Poeltl is a career 62% shooter thanks to some incredible finishing around the basket and the fact that he is a much better passer than most traditional centers. As a screener and passer, Poeltl is inherently providing value.
Poeltl is not a ball-dominant offensive player, but Toronto does need to figure out how to make sure he is getting a steady diet of shots up without taking time away from some of their biggest names. Finding that balance will test how creative Nick Nurse can be.