Newly re-signed center Jakob Poeltl is expected to be a key figure in the Raptors’ frontcourt rotation this season, especially given the team’s thin depth at the center position beyond the 29-year-old Austrian, reports Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca.
With limited options behind him, Poeltl’s experience and reliability will be crucial as Toronto looks to re-establish a competitive identity.
The player secured a significant four-year, $104 million contract earlier this offseason, locking him in through the 2029–30 season.
In his 57 appearances for the Raptors last year, the 7-footer from Utah delivered strong all-around numbers: 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, proving his value on both ends of the floor.
Grange highlights that while newly signed free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili could contribute sporadically with his perimeter shooting and ability to score facing the basket, it’s Poeltl’s consistency and familiarity that make him the clear-cut starter.
The team also drafted big man Ulrich Chomche at No. 57 – a long-term project who, despite his rawness, has already shown flashes of promise in Summer League play.
Toronto also underwent a major shift off the court with the departure of longtime team president Masai Ujiri – a move that occurred in the midst of Poeltl’s contract discussions.
Although it raised some initial questions, Toronto’s big man said it ultimately had little bearing on his decision:
“Obviously that was an extra conversation there, like, ‘Hey, does this change anything, what’s going on, what’s the deal with our future?’” Poeltl said. “But honestly, at the end of the day, it didn’t change much.”
Raptors Notes: Poeltl, Webster, Ujiri, Ingram https://t.co/C1VWdf4pwd pic.twitter.com/YDC4HxEPnz
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