3 offseason tasks the Raptors should already be working on

2. Extending Jakob Poeltl

Any criticism that fans and media opinion-havers may have levied against the Raptors for the Poeltl acquisition has been swiftly washed away. Poeltl’s play has not only improved the team’s rim protection, but he has been a godsend on the offensive end due to his efficiency inside.

Poeltl has averaged 15.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his second go-around with the Raptors. On the defensive end, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals per game only show a fraction of the impact that he has brought on that end. His plus-minus numbers look like something out of NBA 2K with the sliders turned all the way up.

The Toronto Raptors must sign Jakob Poeltl.

Poeltl is likely going to command a three or four-year contract that could pay him close to $20 million per season. That is quite a substantial ask for a player that offers nothing as a shooter, but the Raptors have proven that they simply play better with a center of his caliber in the paint.

Still just 27 years old, Poeltl may just be entering his prime, and Toronto should cash in on that. Giving up a lightly protected first for him may seem like a king’s ransom, but it could end up looking like chump change if Poeltl performs at a similar clip for the duration of his contract.