Toronto is quietly doubling down on frontcourt versatility and internal development. With Jakob Poeltl getting locked up long-term and Sandro Mamukelashvili joining on a value deal, the Raptors are building a foundation up front—one that could seriously impact their next era.
🔐 Jakob Poeltl Secures the Bag
In a move signaling trust and continuity, the Raptors extended Poeltl on a four-year, $104 million deal that keeps him in Toronto through 2029-30. Poeltl has been a defensive anchor, screen-setting specialist, and one of the most underrated centers in the East. He quietly averaged:
- 11.3 PPG
- 8.4 RPG
- 63.5 FG%
- 1.5 BPG
His ability to drop anchor defensively while enabling ball movement on offense makes him a perfect fit for a team built around size and feel. Picking up his 2026–27 player option and adding three more years shows Toronto is doubling down on his leadership and rim protection.
🧪 Sandro Mamukelashvili – High-Upside Gamble
Sandro Mamukelashvili, the 6’10” hybrid forward/center, signs a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Raptors. It’s a small bet on high upside—Mamu has flashed brilliance, including a 34-point explosion for the Spurs. He’s mobile, can shoot it, and has guard-like passing at times.
Toronto may give him more freedom than other teams have, hoping to unlock a long, skilled, multi-position asset in their frontcourt. He joins a development culture with a strong track record—this could be his moment.
🧱 The Bigger Picture
| Player | Role | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Poeltl | Defensive anchor, stability | A |
| Mamukelashvili | Upside depth, experimental spacing | B+ |
Poeltl locks down the center spot for years. Mamukelashvili gives the Raptors flexibility—he can run DHOs, shoot open 3s, and even attack slower bigs. If he pans out, the Raptors have found another gem. If not, it’s a low-risk deal with a player option.
🔮 What This Means Going Forward
Toronto’s front office is building around dependable, smart players. Poeltl is the security blanket. Mamu is the scratch-off lottery ticket with exciting tools. Pair them with Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, and Immanuel Quickley, and this team’s frontcourt is more than just big—it’s creative.
🇨🇦 Raptors Lock in Poeltl, Add Mamukelashvili for Frontcourt Future
Toronto is quietly doubling down on frontcourt versatility and internal development. With Jakob Poeltl getting locked up long-term and Sandro Mamukelashvili joining on a value deal, the Raptors are building a foundation up front—one that could seriously impact their next era.
🔐 Jakob Poeltl Secures the Bag
In a move signaling trust and continuity, the Raptors extended Poeltl on a four-year, $104 million deal that keeps him in Toronto through 2029-30. Poeltl has been a defensive anchor, screen-setting specialist, and one of the most underrated centers in the East. He quietly averaged:
- 11.3 PPG
- 8.4 RPG
- 63.5 FG%
- 1.5 BPG
His ability to drop anchor defensively while enabling ball movement on offense makes him a perfect fit for a team built around size and feel. Picking up his 2026–27 player option and adding three more years shows Toronto is doubling down on his leadership and rim protection.
🧪 Sandro Mamukelashvili – High-Upside Gamble
Sandro Mamukelashvili, the 6’10” hybrid forward/center, signs a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Raptors. It’s a small bet on high upside—Mamu has flashed brilliance, including a 34-point explosion for the Spurs. He’s mobile, can shoot it, and has guard-like passing at times.
Toronto may give him more freedom than other teams have, hoping to unlock a long, skilled, multi-position asset in their frontcourt. He joins a development culture with a strong track record—this could be his moment.
🧱 The Bigger Picture
| Player | Role | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Poeltl | Defensive anchor, stability | A |
| Mamukelashvili | Upside depth, experimental spacing | B+ |
Poeltl locks down the center spot for years. Mamukelashvili gives the Raptors flexibility—he can run DHOs, shoot open 3s, and even attack slower bigs. If he pans out, the Raptors have found another gem. If not, it’s a low-risk deal with a player option.
🔮 What This Means Going Forward
Toronto’s front office is building around dependable, smart players. Poeltl is the security blanket. Mamu is the scratch-off lottery ticket with exciting tools. Pair them with Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, and Immanuel Quickley, and this team’s frontcourt is more than just big—it’s creative.
