Poeltl has always been one of the most underrated centers in the NBA, but he had an injury-riddled 2023-24 campaign. The big man missed time early due to a leg issue and was sidelined for the final month due to a finger injury. That's unfortunate because he averaged 12.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 blocks on 60 percent shooting in his final 13 games before the finger issue. We also saw Poeltl play at least 66 games in the six years prior, so we have to call last season a fluke from an injury standpoint. Over the last three years, Poeltl has averaged 12.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.5 blocks on 63 percent shooting. That's the progression we want to see from a blossoming center, and he should continue to start for the Raptors next season. He also might get a bump with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby leaving over the last year because the Raptors are clearly in rebuild mode. The only other center on the roster is Kelly Olynyk, but that should still guarantee Poeltl 25-30 minutes a night. There aren't many traditional centers left in the NBA, but Poeltl should be an excellent source of rebounds, blocks and field-goal percentage in 2024-25.
