Toronto beat Orlando 129-99 on Wednesday and gets the Magic again Friday in the NBA Cup group stage. Since then, the coverage has split between praise for the depth and a hard look at the center position.
The Center Under Review
Josh Lewenberg put it bluntly at TSN: the Raptors have "a Jakob Poeltl problem." In comments Lewenberg relayed, Rajakovic promised to review film without passing judgment and called himself "a big Jak believer." Elaine Blum of Raptors Rapture argued that Toronto badly needs the coach to be right. The worry has a basis. Poeltl is at 2.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes across four games. Trayce Jackson-Davis logged 20 minutes in the win. Poeltl is also carrying a $19.5 million player option, and there has been no reported movement on an extension. What the facts support is a slow start from a 31-year-old in his tenth season. They do not support a verdict, and nothing reported points to a change in role.
Blueprint or Breaking Point
At Sportsnet, Michael Grange saw a blueprint for life without Leonard in the rout. Samson Folk of Raptors Republic argued that Toronto has to find its strength in depth. Mike Luciano of Raptors Rapture took the darker view, warning that the Leonard update will stretch the rotation to its breaking point. The workload numbers back Luciano's concern more than the scoreline does. Ja'Kobe Walter has gone up to 33.7 minutes a night over his last five games, from 21.5. Barrett and Jamal Shead are each playing at least 10 more minutes a night over the last three. Leonard's estimated return is November 23, and Nate Bittle is out until about November 2. Orlando also arrived with Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs and three others listed out. After Friday, a road swing through the Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Bucks is a fairer test, and a payroll of $201.2 million, above the tax line, makes outside help expensive.
Barnes and the Second Wave
Mikail Nakhuda of Raptors Republic wrote that Barnes bounced back and the team followed. The box score agrees: 28 points on 11-of-17, three steals and two blocks, and a +30. He missed both of his threes, so the damage came inside. Sportsnet ran a video arguing that threes and defence make Toronto look close to unbeatable at its best. Quickley went 4-of-8 from deep, and Walter and Barrett each made three. The Canadian Press, carried by Sportsnet and the Toronto Star, profiled Shead's leadership on and off the court. His 13 points and seven assists in 23 minutes back that up, though his four turnovers are the part to watch as his minutes grow. The bench scored 39 points, a useful sign but not yet a pattern.
Why is Jakob Poeltl struggling for the Raptors?
No cause has been reported. Poeltl has 2.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes across four games, and Rajakovic said the staff will review film without passing judgment.
When will Kawhi Leonard return for the Raptors?
Leonard is out with a left knee issue, and his estimated return date is November 23. Until then, Walter, Barrett and Shead are carrying heavier minutes.
