Why The Raptors Could Negate Jokic Despite Question Marks At The Five

The Toronto Raptors don’t have a centre problem, and at the same time, they very much do.

When the Raptors take on the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, they’ll match up against the most dynamic offensive big man in the NBA – Nikola Jokic.

Despite Jokic’s dominance, there’s a realistic chance the Raptors produce his kryptonite. Denver currently ranks last in the league in offensive rebounds given up at 14.5 per game. Meanwhile, Toronto ranks first in offensive rebounds (15.3). Through sheer tenacity and effort, it could be enough to negate Jokic’s wizardry.

It’s been quite some time since Toronto’s centre rotation was an undeniable advantage. When former head coach Nick Nurse had the luxury of deploying Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, it resulted in 48 minutes of reliable production.

Since then, the Raptors have failed to find consistency at the five.

This season, while early, has already set the stage for a fascinating narrative.

Jakob Poeltl looks healthier (and more mobile) than last season, and while he’s shown positive signs of returning to form, the injury bug remains obsessed with the Austrian.

After missing the game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Poeltl was listed as questionable (left shoulder bursitis) on Nov. 3 and might be limited should he dress against Denver.

Meanwhile, Collin Murray-Boyles has taken a temporary step back, at least in comparison to what fans saw in the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. There was a lot of noise around Murray-Boyles being in even better shape this year. While the sophomore is shooting more threes, he’s still ramping up defensively (and around the basket on offence).

Trayce Jackson-Davis has been a pleasant surprise off the bench, especially against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28, when he finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes of action.

In their last three games, the Raptors have both struggled and simultaneously managed their way against opposing bigs. Toronto hasn’t lost the battle on the glass in any of the prior three contests, but centres have either had their way against the frontline or have made an obvious impact.

The Magic’s Wendall Carter recorded 20 points and seven rebounds and Los Angeles Lakers’ centre Walker Kessler finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. While the Raptors used a historic 47-point fourth quarter to overcome the Los Angeles Clippers, the tide didn’t really turn until Brook Lopez (12 points, six rebounds) fouled out.

With all due respect to the aforementioned centres, Jokic is another type of problem and represents an otherworldly challenge for the Raptors’ energetic but undersized frontcourt.

Jokic is averaging 21.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists through 21 games against the Raptors in his career. He also has four triple-doubles against Toronto.