I was wrong about Jakob Poeltl after already looking alarmingly overmatched

Writer Chris Lambert argues that Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl looked alarmingly overmatched during Toronto's 129-105 preseason loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday in Quebec. Despite entering the season optimistic about Poeltl, Lambert expressed serious concern over the veteran center's physical limitations, lateral quickness, and overall defensive awareness against Miami's frontcourt.

While noting Poeltl's solid offensive touch and team-leading plus-eight rating alongside Ja'Kobe Walter, Lambert highlighted defensive breakdowns, missed rebounds, and poor discipline against Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lambert concluded that if Poeltl cannot provide high basketball IQ and steady defensive positioning, the Raptors will face major frontcourt issues throughout the season.