"No matter how you spin it, Jakob Poeltl having only played 22 games so far in the 2025-26 season is far from the return on investment that not only the Raptors' front office expected but also the Raptors' fanbase. I get that injuries are just part of the game and that you can't fully prepare for these unforeseen circumstances. Still, there's not much substance in using that as an excuse to justify what has mostly been a blunder for the Raptors lately."
"Jakob Poeltl definitely earned an extension with his career year last season, but it still raised a lot of eyebrows among Raptors fans and in broader basketball discussions. Those concerns have been confirmed by how much the Raptors have had to be cautious about Jakob Poeltl's health and availability. Thankfully, Jakob Poeltl returned to suit up for Toronto, even if it was with a minutes restriction against the Pistons on February 11."
Jakob Poeltl has appeared in only 22 games in the 2025-26 season, significantly reducing the expected return from his contract extension. Injuries and cautious management have limited his availability, confirming concerns about his health reliability. Poeltl returned on February 11 with a minutes restriction, recording nine points and six rebounds in 20 minutes while appearing rusty. His presence is viewed as crucial by teammates and coaches, and his performance and availability will be closely monitored across the remaining 27 games. Consistent conditioning and durability will determine whether the extension delivers the intended team impact.
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