NBA star Pöltl: “I’ll be there for the kickerl in the outdoor pool” – Sportmix

The center ended the season with a bust in the play-in for a playoff berth after his trade from San Antonio to the Toronto Raptors. It was 105-109 against the Chicago Bulls. “Unnecessary, we were actually on an equal footing,” says Pöltl angrily – and is already looking ahead.

He will now become a free agent, allowed to move to any NBA club that offers him a contract. The Viennese currently cashes in around 9.4 million US dollars a year, his next contract will definitely be more lucrative. His current team in Toronto remains the favourite.

“My goal: NBA champion!”

“My goal has always been to become NBA champion – that hasn’t changed either, that I want to play at the top,” says the Viennese on the idyllic Old Danube. Pöltl would like to stay with the Raptors, he makes no secret of that.

“This or That” video with NBA star Jakob Pöltl – watch here:

“It would suit me very well if it’s Toronto. The last two months here have been very good, I have the feeling that we can definitely build something here. With Toronto we might be a bit away from the title, but we have a good basis. The field in the NBA is currently very close together, maybe you can get even further up with one or two important additional players,” said the 2.13-meter giant.

Official negotiations can begin on July 1, and the Viennese could collect around 15 to 20 million per year with his new contract. For comparison: NBA top earner Steph Curry gets 48.07 million from the Golden State Warriors: “I’m not saying I don’t care about the money at all, but it’s not at the top of the list. I’d rather it fit All the other things first – the game situation, the coaches, the city – then of course I want to get a good contract out of it.”

No value on luxury, but Audi RS7

Pöltl still wants to keep an eye on his wallet: “Even if it’s my biggest contract to date, I don’t necessarily allow myself the great luxury. You notice that you might spend a little more money on vacation. Last season I “I bought an Audi RS7. Most players get that in their first year or two. I’m a bit behind in the process. I’ve never really been interested in spending big money. But when I get the feeling If I have something that I want or need, then it’s all in the budget.”

Crazy designer clothes and fashion statements are also not his thing: “I don’t go along with most of the players’ crazy outfits. I’m very casual and natural, I come to the arena on a jogger. I don’t even have designer clothes , which I could show off like that, I stay relaxed. That’s done by colleagues who stand out completely, such as OG Anunoby or Fred Van Fleet. They know more about the fashion scene than I do.”

Summer in Vienna

An exciting time awaits Pöltl, the clubs are queuing up for the now 27-year-old: “I have little experience in this process because I haven’t been in the situation before. The agents also do a lot of work, but of course I am personally involved in the talks, but I won’t be directly involved in the negotiations,” says the basketball superstar, who will be staying in Vienna for the coming months.

Pokemon as compensation

In the popular video game NBA 2K23, Pöltl has an overall value of 81 – 99 is the best value: “That will be fine,” laughs the Raptors Center: “Actually, I’m a gambler, but I haven’t played NBA myself for so long “I think 2014 was my last NBA. There isn’t much time for video games at the moment, so it’s getting less and less. At the moment, however, I’m very active in playing Pokemon. There’s also little time for other hobbies during the season. I always have I like game nights.”

“I’ll be there for kickerl in the outdoor pool!”

“In the off-season I like to be outside and enjoy outdoor activities, like being on the Old Danube and playing a little volleyball. Nevertheless, you have to be careful not to hurt yourself. Anything where there is a risk of injury, I’m allowed anyway don’t do it. There’s a long list. But of course I’m there at the kickerl in the outdoor pool, I just make sure that I don’t get into situations where it could crash,” says Pöltl, looking forward to his summer in Vienna – before the big hunt to the NBA title begins.