Coming into the season, there were many questions being raised about how the Toronto Raptors would handle the centre position this year. Thus far, Jakob Poeltl has held onto the starting job, but he only played 10 minutes in the teams 129-99 win over the Orlando Magic. Meanwhile, backup centre Trayce Jackson-Davis logged 20 minutes off the bench.
Jackson-Davis also recorded six points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, while Poeltl had just two points, two rebounds and no blocks. These numbers are just from one game, and certainly don't mean that Jackson-Davis is the better centre. However, this performance makes it hard to ignore what TJD brings to the table.
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined, there are more minutes up for grabs than usual. Once Leonard is back in the fold, the Raptors will likely have to adjust their centre rotation once more.
Oct 28, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) passes the ball towards forwards Scottie Barnes (4) and Jamison Battle (77) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
TJD brought energy on the glass, and in the paint to help the Raptors maintain their lead over the Magic. With mobility and contesting shots being two of his strengths, he gives head coach Darko Rajakovic another option at the centre position to try and matchup with opposing teams.
Jakob Poeltl is also a solid interior presence. He is an experience player who adds a lot of value to an offense as a screener and a passer. It is likely that going forward, the Raptors will consider how their team profiles with and without Kawhi Leonard as they look to optimize their centre rotation.
Oct 10, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic talks with center Jakob Poeltl (19) during a stop in play against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It is perfectly reasonable for the Raptors to consider whether TJD deserves a larger role in the rotation going forward. However, it will also be important for the team to make sure that Poeltl is not being fully replaced.
Toronto would benefit greatly from being flexible at the centre position. Wednesday's performance from TJD was very encouraging, but the real test will be if he can continue to string together quality performances as the season goes on.
Before the season started, there was a good amount of debate about whether the Raptors might try and get Collin Murray-Boyles some minutes at the centre position against certain opponents. If TJD continues to produce at this level, that scenario becomes significantly less likely. But that does not change the fact that the Raptors are trying to experiment with their centre rotation to avoid being too reliant on one style of play at the position.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/raptors/onsi as Jakob Poeltl Has Company in the Raptors' Centre Debate .
