The Toronto Raptors are on the rise and have a chance to make their mark in the Eastern Conference
The Toronto Raptors have a crunch of 23 games to show they are legitimate in the weakened Eastern Conference. With 28 wins and 31 losses so far, this team has a chance to make its mark as the season ends.
Jakob Poelt is the perfect fit for us!
Jakob Poeltl's acquisition has bolstered the roster, and the All-Star break gave time for some of the most overworked stars in the NBA. With a true high IQ center in the lineup, the Toronto Raptors have finally become the team Masai Ujiri envisioned in terms of defense -- a defensive nightmare with their length and switchability. Yes, it's been a small sample size, but Let's not forget what happened before the break. In the last game before the break, Jakob's performance on the court in 37 minutes was absolutely remarkable. He collected six blocks in the face of Orlando's dynamic duo, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. He shot an impressive 15 of 17 from the field. His skillset makes him a natural fit for the game.
His success highlights his versatility as an athlete, showing a combination of power and finesse that can't be denied. Jakob is no one-trick pony; instead, he displays a comprehensive potential that results in consistently high production levels.
Poeltl was an unselfish force on box-outs so teammates could grab the board and start a break. He also has exceptional positioning and quick feet on defense, which enables him to absorb drives with his body, much like Marc Gasol used to do when he played for the Raptors.
What makes Poeltl different, though, is his ability to mix things up by stepping out or switching onto forwards when needed. With Poeltl anchoring their defense, the Raptors are well-positioned to continue producing defensive nightmares opponents won't look forward to facing.
How Jakob makes us so much better
Jakob's ability to roll to the rim off screens and post up against wings has given Toronto a reliable pressure release in their offense and a defensive nightmare, combined with his unselfish box-outs, switchability, length, and athleticism. Poeltl is essential in unlocking the Raptors' potential this season. He offers an important offensive screening presence that makes life easier for initiators and cutters, as well as being an elite offensive rebounder.
His chemistry with Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes also adds another dynamic element of playmaking that could lead to some really fun three-man-game stuff involving possibly Pascal Siakam, our true offensive force.
With Poeltl's help, the Raptors can use scientifically validated techniques to create powerful transformations in their lives, erase stress and conflict, totally transform the way they think and feel, unleash more confidence and self-assurance, unlock a brand new way of seeing the world - anything is possible! He has the ability to bring a feeling of serenity and assurance.
Raptors' tired legs benefited from the all-star break
The Toronto Raptors were in some desperate need of rest and recovery by the time the All-Star break rolled around. Given their disappointing start to the season, it came as no surprise that several players were starting to tire out and their stats were suffering as a result.
Fred VanVleet was especially affected by the draining schedule, carrying an increased workload while dealing with an injury throughout the second-half turnaround. Heading into the break he was finally feeling his best and was turning things around statistically.
Likewise, Scottie Barnes was also feeling better after faltering at the start of his sophomore year. He put up impressive numbers over 18 games leading up to the break, averaging 17.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 48 percent shooting from the field.
In addition, the rest was crucial for OG and G-money, both of those dealing with injuries before the all-star break. It was reported yesterday that both O.G. Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. were back in practice and ready to go for the Toronto Raptors’ final stretch run.
Siakam is poised for another All-NBA selection
Pascal Siakam had a career year going into the All-Star break and looks poised for another All-NBA selection for his efforts. He has been highly motivated to build on an already remarkable year, but recently it looked like the minutes and lack of winning were taking their toll on the All-star forward.
Fortunately, with the addition of Poeltl, who can keep the rotation more balanced, particularly in terms of defense, it will take some pressure off of Siakam and should help to prevent him from burning out.
Although Siakam is still a critical pillar of the team's success, Poeltl gives them flexibility when able to take over critical moments in the game or defend other all-star-level players, which compensates for their points and rebounds numbers while at the same time increasing their efficiency levels.
Players are not competing against just their opponents these days; they are fighting against fatigue and exhaustion, too, which makes players like Poeltl invaluable since they know how to manage themselves better than any other player on this lineup.
It helps that Poeltl also has an established relationship with Siakam through their time playing together in Toronto and familiarity with Coach Nurse's system, which allows both old teammates to grow on each other's strengths.
Siakam seems reenergized in recent games after taking some much-needed rest during the All-Star break, including his ferocious dunk that lit up social media with renewed vigor. The Raptors will need this new version of Siakam if they want to capitalize on late-season momentum and make it deep into postseason play.
It will be incredibly important for Siamkam to remain smart during those long stretches where he requires particular attention due to his high minutes played and not only get physical rest but allow himself mental clarity so he can stay at peak performance throughout games whenever necessary.
The combination is what drives most successful teams across all sports as teams don't monitor numbers alone these days; they often look beyond them into psychological status demands too for player longevity through situations like these. Rest assured, however, that Toronto fans everywhere can expect that great things will come ahead from this dynamic duo!
The Raptors' bench is looking like a force to be wrecking with now!
The additions of Jakob push Gary Trent Jr. to the bench with the possible starting five of Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Jakob Poltel. The first three bodies of the bench would be now Gary Trent Jr., Precious Achiuwa, and Chris Boucher. This combination of eight players creates a strong team capable of competing against anyone that makes their way up North.
If needed, the rotation can get deeper with Thad Young, Juancho Hernangomez, or Malachi Flynn able to come in. This offers a nine-man depth that can be deployed according to matchups.
The lineup could extend further and provide maximum versatility. The choice of who would play would be dependent on the team's specific needs at any given night. This flexibility grants the coaches even more freedom and capacity for strategic deployment across different match scenarios. Deeper options can also transition from defense to offense quicker, helping spread resources throughout the court as needed. And by rapidly adjusting roster size and player roles, teams can create matchup advantages anywhere on the court within every game situation.
Better days are ahead; let's go Raptors!
Ready to rally, Raptors fans can count on the energy of their team to take on any challenge. With the goal of climbing up the standings, Coach Nurse speaks to believing in better days ahead.
Grit and determination will be key; moving forward with resilience and patience. Accompanied by a growth mindset they face each obstacle willing to get better each time up.
Positive momentum building, there’s strength in trusting that progress is possible no matter what comes your way. Even when not perfect, aiming high with focus and poise will give them the opportunity they need to make it into playoffs.
Carrying this spirit forth gives hope that great things are still in reach; taking their step-by-step journey as evidence of progress made - one game at a time. Let's go Raptors!
We the North ... Let's keep the streak rolling!!!!
