Toronto Raptors: Five takeaways from an interesting preseason

Pascal Siakam looks improved but is missing one area of his game

It’s only preseason. It’s only preseason. It’s only preseason.  But man, does Pascal Siakam look good early on.

During the preseason he ranked top-five on the team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. The guy is a stat-box stuffer and does everything exceptional except shoot the ball.

So far this preseason he has been given even more responsibility. Last year Siakam often pushed the ball after a rebound. This year he has been bringing the ball up after makes! Siakam is fully embracing his point-forward role, and the Raptors look better because of it.

His biggest question, however, still hasn’t been answered. If Siakam wants to go full Super-Saiyan and truly set the league on fire, he will need to become a respectable three-point shooter. So far this preseason, he hasn’t done that. It’s only 12 shots, but the jumper doesn’t look improved yet.

If Siakam never develops a jumper, he probably tops out as a slightly above-average player. Still very important, but not his peak value.

This season, the shooting burden will be lessened for Siakam. With Jakob Poeltl gone, Siakam will be paired alongside a capable shooting big-man at all times. With JV and Ibaka able to stretch out toward the perimeter, Siakam can gravitate to the hoop when he is not handling the rock.

If Siakam develops a jumper, it’s great news for the Raptors future. This season, as the Raptors backup power forward, he should be fine without one.