Jakob Poeltl’s bounce-back shouldn’t erase lingering Raptors preseason concerns

Chris Lambert argues that Jakob Poeltl's improved preseason performance against the Los Angeles Clippers should not fully alleviate concerns regarding the Toronto Raptors' frontcourt. Poeltl recorded nine points, four rebounds, and two steals in 21 minutes on Saturday following a difficult preseason opener against the Miami Heat. While acknowledging the improvement, Lambert believes Poeltl needed to be more dominant.

Lambert contends that Poeltl failed to impose himself inside against a Clippers center rotation featuring Brook Lopez and Isaiah Jackson. The writer asserts that Toronto still needs a more physical presence for rim protection and rebounding, concluding that the Raptors should consider adding another rotational center via trade or free agency.