What happened: Jakob Poeltl's defensive footwork when drawn out to the perimeter remains a distinct vulnerability. The center struggles to contain assignments in open space, creating immediate advantages for opposing ball-handlers.

Why it matters: Modern spacing heavily penalizes big men who cannot quickly change direction on defensive switches. When a center cannot reliably contest the perimeter, it compromises the entire scheme and forces secondary rotations that yield open shots.

What to watch: Watch for defensive scheme adjustments designed to keep Poeltl closer to the paint. Opponents will continue isolating him in space until those structural changes are implemented.