Ranking the trade value of each player on the Toronto Raptors

Pascal Siakam

A Most Improved candidate, an All-Star candidate, and Toronto’s third best player making only $1.6 million, that’s a bargain. Pascal Siakam ranks second overall in terms of value on the Toronto Raptors and is one of the top 25-or-so candidates in the entire NBA.

Last season, Siakam was a nice bench piece playing 19 minutes per game. He developed from year one and was more than a pure “energy guy” moving forward. This year, he’s taken another level. Siakam is leading fast breaks, initiating the pick-and-roll, and acting like a point forward. He’s become a more efficient scorer while increasing his per 36 averaging from 12.6 to 17.4.

Right now, Siakam is a fringe All-Star. His potential is greater than that.

He’s not someone that can run an offense yet, but if his handle makes the same strides as it has the past two summers, he’s not far away. His defense is good. If he can become a little stronger and a little smarter, he could make an All-Defensive team.

His shot….. is coming. 31-percent on essentially wide-open looks isn’t promising. Improving from 22-percent to 31-percent while drastically increasing your attempt rate is. Even if the shots aren’t falling as often as you’d like, Siakam has at least shown a willingness to attempt them and hit them enough to keep the defense honest.

Another factor working in Pascal’s advantage is his contract. He’s due less than $2 million this season and will make less than $2.5 next season. Still on his rookie deal, even when Pascal hits free-agency, it will be restricted.

A great player on a great deal, Pascal Siakam is the ultimate bargain.