Jakob Pöltl (born October 15, 1995, in Vienna, Austria) is a professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. Standing 7 feet tall and weighing 260 pounds, Pöltl has had a distinguished basketball career spanning from his youth in Austria to his professional achievements in the NBA.
Early Life and Education
Pöltl’s parents were both members of the Austrian national volleyball teams. He began his basketball journey with the Vienna DC Timberwolves, playing there for seven years. He also spent a year with the Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions in the Austrian Bundesliga during the 2013–14 season. His impressive performance at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, where he averaged a double-double in points and rebounds, drew the attention of NCAA programs.
This led him to commit to the University of Utah, where he played for the Runnin’ Utes from 2014 to 2016. In his sophomore year, Pöltl earned several accolades, including the Pac-12 Player of the Year and both the Pete Newell Big Man Award and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award as the top collegiate center.
NBA Career
Pöltl declared for the NBA draft in 2016 and was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors. He played for the Raptors until 2018, after which he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs. After five seasons with the Spurs, Pöltl returned to the Raptors in February 2023.
Recent Performance
In a notable game on December 23, 2024, Pöltl contributed significantly to the Raptors’ 130-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers, recording 30 points and 16 rebounds.
His consistent performances have solidified his role as a key player for Toronto.
Trade Speculations
As of January 2025, there has been speculation regarding Pöltl’s future with the Raptors. Reports suggest that while the team is considering trades involving older players, Pöltl’s strong performance may keep him in Toronto. Additionally, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly shown interest in acquiring a center but are unlikely to pursue Pöltl due to financial constraints.