Raptors’ Depth: A Potential Game-Changer
TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors have bolstered their roster, which may translate to improved performance in today’s NBA.
Off-Season Moves
The Raptors executed much of their off-season strategy swiftly within 24 hours of free agency commencing.
Key Acquisition: Jakob Poeltl
The highlight of their strategy was extending center Jakob Poeltl’s contract for three years, starting in the 2027-28 season, totaling $84.5 million until 2029-30, when Poeltl will be 34 and entering his 14th season.
Strategy Behind Roster Decisions
This decision seemed inevitable as the Raptors made it clear that if they pursued trades for star players like Kevin Durant, it would be alongside a solid roster that included Poeltl. They were committed to retaining Poeltl, as finding two reliable bigs in a scarce market would be challenging.
Enhancing Depth at the Center Position
Toronto added more depth at center by bringing in Sandro Mamukelashvili, a 26-year-old entering his fifth NBA season who possesses qualities that Poeltl lacks, such as floor-spacing and attacking closeouts. They also hope to see Jonathan Mogbo develop these skills over time.
Projected Lineup and Optimism
With the season opener just three months away, the potential starting lineup looks promising, featuring Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley, among others. It’s a more competitive roster compared to last year’s.
A Balanced Approach to Team Building
The Raptors appear to be adapting to a new trend in roster construction that emphasizes depth as key to success. The recent NBA finalists, the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, both utilized deep rotations during the Finals, shifting from the traditional eight-man playoff rotations.
