Jakob Poeltl will be entering this season as one of the Toronto Raptors seasoned veterans.
The 28-year-old understands the Raptors are in a rebuild and player development will be a focus this season.
The Raptors have two rookie centers on the roster. Toronto drafted Ulrich Chomche 57th overall at the 2024 NBA Draft and signed Branden Carlson who went undrafted.
“Brendan [Carlson] Ulrich [Chomche] coming in as rookies really just trying to get used to the atmosphere, used to the physicality. I think they’re both doing a really good job. Ulrich is trying to learn a lot, he’s asking a lot of questions…and Brendan you can tell he’s been playing college for a while…his game is already more matured so he can definitely be very productive out there as well,” Poeltl said after the Raptors open scrimmage.
The Raptors also have another new big man in Bruno Fernando. The Raptors signed him in August after Fernando spent last season with the Atlanta Hawks.
“Bruno’s [Fernando] proven over the last couple years he’s definitely a good NBA center, and he’s bringing a lot of physicality and energy and overall good vibes to the locker room as well,” Poeltl said.
Chomche and Carlson are on two-way deals so they will spend the majority of their time with Raptors 905 this season. Meanwhile, Fernando is on a non-guaranteed deal and it will only guarantee if Fernando earns a roster spot for this season. However, since the Raptors need more frontcourt depth it seems promising that Fernando will not only make the roster, but earn a potential spot in the rotation as well.
ESPN projects Raptors win total for 2024-25 season
The 2024-25 season should be an interesting one for the Toronto Raptors, but it boils down to how fast these young players develop.
As preseason kicks off this weekend, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton revealed his projected win total for Toronto is 33.9.
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