3 things the Toronto Raptors must do as soon as free agency starts

1. Sign Jakob Poeltl

The VanVleet hypothetical signing has been one of the most hotly debated topics in recent memory on Raptors Twitter, and with good reason. One scenario that has not provoked the same level of stimulating debate is Poeltl returning, as many view this as a foregone conclusion.

Poeltl not only cost multiple premium draft picks when the team acquired him from the San Antonio Spurs, but he made them one of the best defensive teams in the game when he was on the floor. The Raptors’ need for a rim-protecting center, the equity they sunk into Poeltl, and his own performance make a no-doubt case for retention.

The Toronto Raptors must retain Jakob Poeltl.

Ujiri thinks very highly of Poeltl, as he said that he views the Austrian giant as one of the top 10 at his position in the league. While Poeltl isn’t the gaudiest scorer, his rebounding and defense make that statement more reasonable than it appears at first glance.

Losing Poeltl would make the trade with San Antonio one of the worst moves in recent memory for the Raptors, all while robbing them of a viable starting center. VanVleet is important, but Toronto can’t let Poeltl walk away from them despite a somewhat competitive market.