The Toronto Raptors are currently in line for a play-in spot that would potentially give them an opportunity to sneak into the postseason. While this is certainly a step down from where they were last season, Masai Ujiri and the rest of the team are very bullish on this roster’s potential.
Scottie Barnes believes that the Raptors have all the tools needed to make some noise in the playoffs. Refusing to trade Fred VanVleet or OG Anunoby while adding Jakob Poeltl in a deal with the San Antonio Spurs shows that this team is gunning for it with some extra rim protection.
While most of the season has been a disappointment, the Poeltl acquisition has breathed new life into this team. With a good chunk of games left and some teams above them in the standings failing to supplement their roster at the trade deadline, Toronto shouldn’t count themselves out.
The Raptors can make good on Barnes’ wishes, as they are better equipped for success than they were at the beginning of the season. Thanks to these three factors, the Raptors are fully prepared to go on the hunt and climb up the standings.
3 reasons the Raptors can make a playoff run.
3. Jakob Poeltl
Poeltl has immediately proven to be a big upgrade for the Raptors at a position of need. In just his second start with the team following his trade, Poeltl recorded 30 points on 15-17 shooting and ended up as the third member of an exclusive scoring/efficiency club occupied by David Robinson and Klay Thompson.
Poeltl’s defense is what has stood out above the rest. The Raptors are allowing a preposterous 30.5 fewer points per 100 possessions (subscription required) when Poeltl is on the floor, showing that the 7-1 Austrian big man fits Nick Nurse’s defensive scheme like a glove.
Jakob Poeltl is boosting the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors’ aggression on defense was contributing to their poor runs of form, as they lacked the rim protection needed to clean up for the defensive mistakes. Christian Koloko looked solid in his limited time, but he doesn’t have the same finishing as Poeltl.
While he is a free agent, the expectation is that Toronto will give Poeltl a long-term deal to man the starting center spot for the next few seasons. Poeltl will need to show that he can maintain this high level of play against a team with championship aspirations, however.