By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nearing a return from injury, Jakob Poeltl discussed roster adjustments at the Toronto Raptors.
After trading British forward O.G. Anunoby to the New York Knicks in late December, the Raptors followed up during his absence by sending close friend Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. Benefits included newcomers RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Bruce Brown Jr. entering the rotation of Serbian play-caller Darko Rajakovic.
“The only thing that was important to me is that I was on a team that could play competitive basketball,” the Austrian center told TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, “I want to play on a team that is trying to win every night.”
“I think we are still on a course where we are trying to build around this team right now and we’re not hunting for a No. 1 draft pick,” he added, “As long as that is the case, I think I am going to be happy here and I am hoping to contribute to this new Raptors team, this new project that we are starting.”
Poeltl, 28, has been sidelined over recent weeks due to an injury in his left ankle. He logged a limited participation in practice on Wednesday but has yet to be cleared for contract work.
The Utah product is listed as out for the game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Scotiabank Arena on Friday. On the opposite end, the visitors have ruled out Croatian Ivica Zubac (right calf) and French Moussa Diabate (right hand).
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