Defense, height, and touch in the post – these are a few of Toronto’s favorite things
The Player: Jakob Poeltl is the top center in the NBA Draft, with the height and length to protect the rim. More than that, Poeltl has the mobility to slow down ball handlers in the pick and roll game. On offense, Poeltl can score around the basket and make intelligent, timely passes. His playmaking gives him upside many center prospects don’t possess. However he was destroyed in the NCAA tournament by fellow draft prospect Domantas Sabonis, and many scouts wonder if that is a foretaste of Poeltl’s downside against NBA competition.
The Fit: With Bismack Biyombo likely signing elsewhere in free agency, the Raptors found themselves in need of a backup center. Poeltl can serve ably in that role, being part of the defensive second-unit the Raptors ride to great success. With strong perimeter defenders in Kyle Lwory and DeMarre Carroll, Poeltl will have the opportunity to step in immediately as the backline defender. On offense he can facilitate more ball movement than Biyombo.
The Spot: Backup center
The Grade: B-
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