The NBA season has passed just enough for some riveting players to emerge from small markets. In particular, interest might rise for some players in Toronto. In the absence of Scottie Barnes, the Raptors have had several key contributors step up to fill the void. One man who had the best season of his career was center Jakob Poeltl. He stood out to Darko Rajaković since training camp. Now, he is beginning to take the league by storm.

Averaging 17.1 points, a career-high, the former Spurs center has had some big nights for the Raptors. In their latest win against the Pacers, the imposing BG helped them snap a 7-game win streak, putting up 30 points and 15 rebounds. It was his third straight game, scoring over 20. Seeing the clear improvement in his work, Rajakovic heaped immense praise on the nine-year vet.

“That’s a testament to everything that he did over the course of the summer, and if he continues like this, we’re gonna have another all-star player,” said the head coach. Several teams hope to see him during the trade deadline to strengthen their roster.

Evan Sidery says, “Jakob Poeltl is a player many contending teams are hoping hits the trade market.” And there is every reason to. Currently, what several teams lack is a credible rotation of bigs. Take the Golden State Warriors, for example, who opt to play without a paint-dominating center. Injecting Poeltl into the 10-3 team could amplify their chances to contend easily.

Another advantage he provides is tenacity. As a robust scorer, Jakob Poeltl can be a rim protector. Having with would allow Anthony Davis to play in his natural position for a team such as the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, it would supply JJ Redick with two renowned shot blockers, helping to limit points in the paint.

But acquiring him seems unlikely. The 29-year-old is bound to be involved in a rat race.

Lakers, Warriors, and Suns fans all want Jakob Poeltl

The interest in the Raptors’ skillful center went off the roof among fans once Sidery claimed contenders are monitoring his progress. There were some shouts from Philly fans. The Sixers are at the bottom of the pool with a 2-11 record, and Joel Embiid can’t go full throttle just yet. Some even feel Jakob Poeltl has surpassed the Process.

“I’ve seen enough. Jakob Poeltl has replaced Joel Embiid as the premier elite non-Jokic centre,” a fan wrote. In terms of production, currently, Embiid is in the midst of a rough run. Having only played three games, he averages 14.7 points after three consecutive 30+ seasons. While it’s tough to place Poeltl above him, the Sixers could do with a spark in their offense that ranks last in the league.

Then, there is also interest from the Dub Nation. Notably, according to NBA stats, the Warriors don’t even show up for points scored through centers in a game. With Poeltl expertly making a living in his paint, fans are making a bold prediction. “Hypothetical warrior legend jakob poeltl,” one comment read.

Given the Warriors’ shooting-based offense, they don’t require a center who can necessarily score. However, a skilled rebounder can change their trajectory. Poeltl averages 4.4 offensive boards per game, the second-best mark only behind Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic. There have also been talks of moving on from Podziemski due to his sluggish start, but it’s unlikely for the Bay to move such a promising piece.

But keeping teams aside, the NBA community feels the Austrian center needs to be on a team playing for a title this season. A fan mentioned, “a good team really needs to pick up Jakob Poeltl this is a travesty”. In that vein, some Phoenix Suns fans hope the organization will move to replace Jusuf Nurkic.

“I can’t take this anymore. Phoenix Suns should to do whatever they can to make a deal involving Nurkic work for Jakob Poeltl, Robert Williams, or Walker Kessler,” a fan suggested. Without Kevin Durant, the Suns have lost four straight games in a row. The teams produces the least points of all teams in the paint. Poeltl scores the most points under the rim in the entire NBA. Seems to be a great fit.

Demand has also risen from the Laker Nation. The Purple and Gold are dealing with injuries to Christian Wood, their backup center. With D’Angelo Russell becoming a regular trade component, Poeltl could fulfill their wishes. Fans are saying, “A playoff contender need to go get Jakob Poeltl. Lakers, Warriors, Kings.” 

While Anthony Davis has been sensational, JJ Redick could benefit from a technical inside scorer. However, it could be a difficult choice given the success the Lakers have found since moving Russell to the bench. Which team should pursue the Raptors 7-footer in your opinion? Let us know your views in the comments below.