Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic says the player he most wants to add before the trade deadline is already on the payroll: injured starting center Jakob Poeltl.
Poeltl Continues Recovery
The 28-year-old has not played since Dec. 21 because of a back injury and remains out indefinitely. According to the club, Poeltl recently underwent targeted pain-relief treatment and took part in a non-contact workout on Tuesday. “His name is Jakob Poeltl, that guy can definitely help us,” Rajakovic told reporters when asked about potential roster upgrades.
Shead Left Off Rising Stars Roster
Guard Jamal Shead was not selected for the NBA’s Rising Stars event, a decision TSN’s Josh Lewenberg labeled a major snub. Shead ranks fourth on the team in minutes and first in net rating while the Raptors sit 10 games above .500 and third in the Eastern Conference. He is averaging 7.2 points and 5.6 assists in 22.4 minutes. “Everybody that made it is having really good years and contributing to their teams, so I’m not really worried about that,” Shead said.
Defensive Identity Intact
Despite Poeltl’s absence, Toronto owns a top-five defensive rating and just finished a 4-1 West Coast trip capped by a 103-101 victory over Oklahoma City. The performance has drawn comparisons to the 2021-22 squad that exceeded expectations and finished fifth in the East.
Murray-Boyles Questionable vs. Knicks
Rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles (left thumb contusion) is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s home game against New York. The lottery pick, averaging 7.8 points and 5.1 rebounds, has missed the past four contests.
Source: HoopsRumors
