UPDATE: Following the Raptors’ trade of “friend” Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl spoke of “tough” times.

Poeltl regretted Siakam’s departure.

NBA trade deadlines can be emotionally taxing for players like Jakob Poeltl, who just watched some of his closest friends get traded. It can be difficult to remember that NBA players are human people who develop ties with their closest friends on the team.

The Austrian big man has witnessed both of his former teammates moved away to Eastern Conference opponents in the Pacers and Knicks, respectively, as the team starts to rebuild, only months after he returned to the Raptors and pledged to play with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.

Poeltl joined Toronto with the expectation of making a run at the postseason, and losing Siakam left him without a safety net on a struggling club. Poeltl conceded that it can be challenging to play following the transfer.

Regarding Pascal, Poeltl remarked, “It was tough because he was the guy I was closest to on this team.” “Given all the rumors, I suppose I was mentally ready for it already, but it still breaks my heart to lose my best friend on the team in a literal sense.” Rebuilding and taking are not recommended, according to Poeltl, who stated he wants to play for a team that is “trying to win every night.”

Jakob Poeltl misses Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby after Toronto Raptors trades.

Poeltl’s trade might have been a bit rich for him, but he can provide immense value as a finisher, rebounder, passer, and shot-blocker who makes things click on both sides of the ball at his best. His contract is expensive, but his value has already been proven.

The Raptors haven’t looked the same on either side of the ball since Poeltl’s injury, as they have no height on the inside to stop teams from driving to the basket. On offense, his presence as a screener and passer is needed. Jontay Porter has been trying, but he doesn’t have the skills needed to replicate Poeltl.

Poeltl might be in for another tough 2024-25 season, as the only way for the Raptors to contend for a postseason spot next season is either Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, or Immanuel Quickley taking such a gigantic leap that all expectations of a down year will fade away almost immediately.

Poeltl will likely play a big part in Toronto’s turnaround, as he is such a reliable player that it would be very difficult to find someone who can replace him on a budget. Losing Siakam and Anunoby still must hurt, especially when he signed thinking they would stick around.