Toronto Raptors: Whose stock is rising/falling after week four?

Pascal Siakam – Stock Up

If you’re ever feeling down, just remember this: Toronto didn’t have to give up Pascal Siakam OR OG Anunoby to acquire Kawhi Leonard. Think about that for a second.

Now think about it again. Feels good, doesn’t it?

With each week that passes, Siakam seems to improve just that bit more. His ability as a playmaker is progressing to the point where I’m willing to consider him as one of the best point forwards in the NBA, so far this year. It’s a small sample size but it’s not unfathomable to assume.

Siakam was the main offensive outlet against the Knicks on Saturday, scoring a team-high 23 points.

Every week we bang on about his ability to get in the paint and his body control, the wherewithal to contort his body into necessary positions when posting up and spinning off of defenders. He got to the line nine times against New York, shooting a comfortable 8-9.

The Pelicans might have downed the Raptors on Monday night – but that’s not down to the play of Pascal by any means. He led the team with 22 points, shooting 66-percent from the field, and 4-4 from the line.

Post-up, spin move, basket, repeat. That’s a formula for success. Siakam in transition has definitely been a highlight so far this season, either ending with a lay-up, dunk or a hand-off underneath the basket.

His repertoire, like a young burgeoning musician who is playing the guitar every day, is beginning to expand. Watch out, everyone.

Oh, by the way, Siakam has been shooting the three-ball with much improvement in the past week – he’s knocked down6-9. It’s happening.

That block on the penultimate play of the Pistons was absolutely incredible, shame it’ll be lost in the chambers of time.

Anyway, that’ll do it, for now, see you all same time next week.