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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Built On Unpredictability

By Aaron Ferguson

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dunks to score a basket against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dunks to score a basket against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) scores a layup against Washington Huskies center Gilles Dierickx (34) and Washington Huskies guard Mike Anderson (11) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington defeated Utah 77-68. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) scores a layup against Washington Huskies center Gilles Dierickx (34) and Washington Huskies guard Mike Anderson (11) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington defeated Utah 77-68. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Toronto Raptors – Jakob Poeltl (Utah)

The Toronto Raptors are coming off of a historic season as they set a wins record and made a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. Now they re-load their frontcourt by adding Jakob Poeltl to play behind Jonas Valaciunas. Poeltl is a skilled big man that can impact the game on both ends of the court.

Poeltl, 20, is a traditional back-to-the-basket center on the offensive end of the floor. A 7-foot-1, 239-pound frame gives him the size and length to be effective in the post. He shot 64.6 percent from the field and averaged 17.3 PPG. He improved as a free-throw shooter from his freshman year (44.4 percent) to his sophomore year (69.2 percent) where he had nearly double the attempts.

Defensively, Poeltl is a force to be reckoned with in the post. His quickness is deceptive and allows him to defend pick-and-rolls well where he can then use his length to force tough shots. Positioning is going to be key for Poeltl, whose strength lacks on the block, to force tough shots and be effective defensively.

Rebounding is an area where Poeltl excelled in college. He pulled down 9.1 rebounds per game last season and had a 17.7 total rebound rate. His positioning allows him opportunities to get offensive rebounds, which he had a career 13.6 offensive rebounding rate.

Toronto will be getting a good back-to-the-basket option that has room to grow on the defensive end, as Poeltl adds strength. His offensive game is limited, but rebounding could be his ticket to stealing possessions and adding points. How he develops as a defender will be the key to his NBA success.

Next: 10. Milwaukee Bucks

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