2. Christian Koloko
The Raptors knew that developing Koloko would be a marathon and not a sprint, as the 7-1 big man’s defensive gifts and physical tools were overshadowed in some regard by the offensive limitations he brought with them. Even a basic examination of his (impressive) rookie film showed the issues he had on offense.
Koloko could prove the doubters wrong in 2023, a year in which he will likely enter as either a fringe rotation or the backup to Jakob Poeltl. If he has really been working in the offseason, Koloko’s training camp could be a predecessor to a huge breakout campaign.
Christian Koloko could show the Toronto Raptors his new offense.
Koloko can block shots and run the floor well. To become a solid offensive player this year, he needs to commit a few post moves to memory and rebound like a muscular 7-1 player instead of a rookie adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional game.
Koloko, with some offensive pizzazz, is going to be a frightening combination. With how Rajakovic has developed a reputation for working with towering big men like Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr. in Oklahoma City and Memphis, Koloko could be his next pet project.