Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal

It’s clear that the Toronto Raptors have a vision. They’re looking to put as many big, playmaking wings on the floor as they can at all times.

Here’s the thing: acquiring Jakob Poeltl does nothing to jeopardize that vision.

The Raptors could stand to have a big man for situational minutes. They’re not acquiring Nikola Jokic here. Poeltl is quite good. In fact, he’s emerged as an upper-tier defensive big man in the NBA. Still, he’s not going to demand this team radically overhaul their plans.

Even after acquiring Poeltl, the Raptors can go to “death lineups” featuring Siakam at the 5. In fact, they can still lean on them heavily. Having Poeltl cover 20-25 minutes a night would increase their optionality.

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If they run into Joel Embiid in the playoffs again, who knows? He may even give them a puncher’s chance at emerging victorious.