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Toronto Raptors: Whose stock is rising, plus Marc Gasol is settling in nicely

By Thomas Valentine

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Boston Celtics on February 26, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Boston Celtics on February 26, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Pascal Siakam

What do you know, Pascal Siakam features on this column once again.

A seemingly permanent fixture in the Valentine Good Books (patent pending), Siakam once again delivered with a strong week following a weeks rest.

First of all, the Raptors may legitimately have a three-point weapon in Pascal Siakam. Hands up if you thought that was a real possibility in 2016. Liars, put your hands down.

Since January 1, Pascal Siakam is 28-70 on three-pointers (40-percent). His season percentage has now stretched to 37-percent on just over two attempts a game. There’s a real possibility that Siakam keeps up this pace for the rest of the season and becomes one of the most consistent three-point shooters on the team.

This week, Siakam averaged 19 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.6 assist, 1.3 steals and a block per game. Big games against the Spurs and Celtics sandwiched a game against the Orlando Magic, where Siakam was held to only 10 points. He’s struggled in the last two games against the Magic, where he’s matched up in a similarly physical player in Aaron Gordon.

His strong performances against the Spurs and Celtics negated his troubles against the Magic, with Siakam stepping up in big moments in both games.

A 16-game stretch where Pascal Siakam has scored double-digits has highlighted the fact that he’s become one of the teams go to options to get a bucket, whether it’s in isolation, transition or as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, Siakam is getting to the rim and finishing.

All of this without talking about Siakams defense, which has probably been the best on the team this season – save for Danny Green.

Another step closer to a unanimous vote for Most Improved Player.

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