Sep 30, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

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Jakob Poeltl gets brutally honest about expectations for Toronto Raptors this season

Sep 30, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Veteran center Jakob Poeltl stated that the Toronto Raptors do not have high expectations for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

During Raptors Media Day, he acknowledged that the team is not positioned to compete for a championship this year.

“I think we all know we’re not going to go and attack the championship this year. It makes no sense for us to try to win every single game as much as we can and sacrifice development,” Poeltl said.

“I think we all know we’re not going to go and attack the championship this year. It makes no sense for us to try to win every single game as much as we can and sacrifice development.”

– Jakob Poeltl on the Raptors

(🎥 @ogchabzo )

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 30, 2024

While some may be upset by Poeltl’s remarks, his statement reflects the Raptors’ current reality.

The team has openly communicated its commitment to rebuilding and prioritizing player development in the coming season.

Also Read: “That definitely hurt”- Anthony Edwards Gives Honest Take on Karl-Anthony Towns’ Trade to New York Knicks

GM Masai Ujiri affirms Toronto Raptors’ commitment to rebuilding

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri officially announced on Monday that the franchise will enter a rebuilding season.

“I would use the word rebuilding. That’s the right word,” Ujiri told reporters at the team’s media day. “We have a clear path going forward. Young team. Growing team. I think everybody sees that loud and clear.”

He emphasized that upcoming drafts will be crucial for the Raptors as they lay the foundation for their rebuilding efforts.

“The draft is a way for us to build teams and to acquire players, especially in a market like our market,” Ujiri said.

“It is a rebuilding team, everybody sees that loud and clear.

“We want to continue to grow and build this team around Scottie, [Barnes] who is 23 years old, and continue to grow as a team.”

Masai Ujiri sets the expectations clear for the Toronto Raptors upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/dmcAe2XCRn
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) September 30, 2024

Ujiri further stated that this is Scottie Barnes’ team and that the franchise will focus their rebuilding efforts around him.

“We want to build this team around Scottie (Barnes), who is 23 years old. You play to win. But it is a rebuilding year,” he said. “In sports, you always want to be competitive and you play to win. But it is a rebuilding team and everybody sees that, loud and clear.”

The Raptors will open their season at home in Scotiabank Arena against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 23rd.