Jakob Poeltl, born on October 15, 1995, is a Austrian professional basketball player who plays as a starting center for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. Drafted ninth overall pick by the Raptors in 2016, Poeltl has solidified himself as a reliable two-way center in the league.
Hailing from Vienna, Austria, Poeltl made history as the first Austrian to play in the NBA. Raised in a sporting family background, both his parents were notable members of the Austrian national volleyball teams. However, they chose basketball for their son, recognizing the availability of a youth basketball program near their Vienna residence.
Poeltl's early basketball development saw him spend seven years in the youth program of Vienna DC Timberwolves, followed by a stint with the Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions in the Austrian Bundesliga during the 2013/14 season.
Poeltl's talent began to shine on the international stage, notably during the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, where he caught the eye of University of Utah assistant coach Andy Hill. Impressed by Poeltl's performances, Hill initiated discussions about the prospect of Poeltl playing college basketball in the United States.
In 2014, Poeltl committed to the University of Utah, and went on to have a successful collegiate career. Over the course of two seasons, he established himself as one of the best big men in college basketball, and earned numerous accolades, including the Pac-12 Player of the Year and securing a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team. He also garnered recognition as the winner of both the Pete Newell Big Man Award and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award.
Poeltl's impressive college career served as a springboard to his NBA journey, where he has continued to excel as a reliable presence in the post for the Toronto Raptors. With his fundamentally sound skill set and determination, Poeltl remains a key contributor to his team's success in the NBA.
Jakob Poeltl Salary
According to Spotrac, Jakob Poeltl will earn $19.5 million for the 2023/2024 season.
A yearly breakdown of his salary as reported by Spotrac is mentioned below:
| Season | Team | Salary |
| 2023/24 | Toronto Raptors | $19,500,000 |
| 2024/25 | Toronto Raptors | $19,500,000 |
| 2025/26 | Toronto Raptors | $19,500,000 |
| 2026/27 (Player Option) | Toronto Raptors | $19,500,000 |
How long is Jakob Poeltl’s contract?
Jakob Poeltl’s current contract is four years long. On July 6, 2023, Jakob Poeltl signed a four-year deal worth $78 million with Toronto Raptors. He will earn an average annual salary of $19.5 million.
What are the terms of Jakob Poeltl’s contract?
Jakob Poeltl's current contract includes a player option for the 2026/2027 season. This allows him to choose to become a free agent in 2026 or exercise the player option.
Additionally, the contract includes $2 million in incentives spread over the four seasons, with $500,000 worth of incentives available each season. These incentives are described as "unlikely-to-be-earned," meaning they are contingent on specific performance criteria that may be difficult to achieve. Therefore, the maximum potential value of the contract, including incentives, is $80 million. However, the specific criteria for earning these incentives are not available.
What teams has Jakob Poeltl played for?
Jakob Poeltl has played for two NBA teams as of February 2024:
Toronto Raptors (2016 — 2018)
San Antonio Spurs (2018 — 2023)
Toronto Raptors (2023 — present)
Jakob Poeltl Ethnicity
Jakob Poeltl's ethnicity is white Austrian. He was born in Vienna, Austria. Both Poeltl's parents played for the Austrian national volleyball team. This athletic background likely influenced Jakob's own path to becoming a professional athlete in basketball.
FAQ's on Jakob Poeltl Salary
A. Jakob Poeltl's salary is $19.5 million for the 2023/24 NBA season.
A. The Raptors center Poeltl stands at 7 feet 0 inches or 213 cm tall.
A. Jakob Poeltl is on a four-year $78 million contract with the Raptors. It will expire in 2027.
A. Jakob Poeltl is presently 28 years old as of February 2024.
A. Jakob Poeltl is from Vienna, Austria.
