Jakob Poeltl discusses recovery journey after injury
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl has made his return to the court following a back injury that sidelined him for three games. In his comeback, Poeltl logged 20 minutes in the Raptors’ decisive 128-100 win against the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing eight points and securing nine rebounds.
Assessing his health
Despite his on-court contributions, Poeltl reflected on his current health status, emphasizing that he is not yet at full strength. “I think I’m still a little bit away from 100 percent,” he stated, sharing insights on his recovery process. “But I’m pretty happy with how today went. There were a couple of phases where it stiffened up a little bit … I’m definitely going to have to put in a bunch of work behind the scenes. Hopefully, I’ll get to the point where it won’t affect me during games.”
This candid assessment underscores the physical challenges faced by many athletes as they return from injury, highlighting the importance of diligent recovery efforts.
Impact on the team dynamics
Poeltl’s ability to contribute even while not fully healthy speaks volumes about his commitment to the team and his desire to play a pivotal role in their success. While the Raptors have managed to find success in his absence, Poeltl’s presence on the court has been markedly influential. “I mean, obviously you don’t want to put too much (emphasis) on one game,” he said, acknowledging the team’s performance. “But I feel we’ve had a pretty good run these last three games or so, where we look better … but we got to bring that even when the team comes out 100 percent, so that will be a challenge, and hopefully we’ll continue to grow.”
As the season progresses, the Raptors will be eager for Poeltl to shed his minutes restriction, allowing him to play a more significant role in upcoming games. With over 70 contests remaining in the regular season, Poeltl’s health will be critical to the team’s ambitions.
Looking ahead
The Raptors are set to face off against the Atlanta Hawks this Friday in their second NBA Cup game, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Poeltl’s ongoing recovery will be closely watched, as both he and the team seek to maximize their potential this season. The journey back to peak performance is a testament to the dedication required at this level of competition, and Poeltl’s focus will be on ensuring his back is ready for the challenges ahead.
