Poeltl, Porter, Olynyk – how will Darko take advantage?
The Toronto Raptors welcomed two new players to their roster, then defeated the Houston Rockets 107-104. While neither Kelly Olynyk nor Ochai Agbaji saw any playing time, we’re expecting both of them to make appearances against the high-flying Cleveland Cavaliers (can cavaliers fly, with all that armor and swords and heavy clothing?…never mind) on Saturday night.
Our team’s roster had been suffering due to a lack of size, and opponents were scoring the world’s easiest baskets on the inside. Now Coach Darko Rajakovic has the luxury of maintaining at least one big man on the floor all 48 minutes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried having two at a time, in a throwback configuration, i.e., before small ball was all the rage. However, those two bigs are likely to be Jakob Poeltl and one of either Olynyk or Jontay Porter, our freshly minted stretch-fours. (N.B. Should either or both of these fellows find the range from deep, the Cleveland defense will be in some difficulty.) Put another way, I’d be most surprised if Olynyk and Porter share the same floor; their propensity to play on the perimeter will mean insufficient rim protection.
Still think getting Poeltl was a mistake/overpay?
Poeltl’s game against the Rockets should shut the mouths of any remaining doubters. The Raptors need this guy, because he does stuff no one else can. His double-double of points and rebounds, plus six(!) blocked shots, was essential to grinding out the W. If the Raptors are going to have any hope against the white-hot Cavaliers (most recent 17 games – 16 wins, many of them by huge margins), they will need to control Cleveland’s front court. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are more than a handful.
The challenge for Jakob will be staying out of foul trouble, as I’ll wager money the Cleveland coaches are urging their speedy, talented guards, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, to attack the paint. If they can push Poeltl off the floor in Q1, our squad is in serious trouble. There’s little relief when Cleveland’s second unit is on the floor, as they have some impressive shooters.
Put briefly, the Raptors aren’t favourites even with our three 4/5 men to move about. Without them, however, this game would likely be a blowout. At least the Raptors are once again interesting, rather than embarrassing.
- Tags: Toronto Raptors
