Who is the best defender on the Toronto Raptors?

1. Pascal Siakam

Not only is Siakam likely going to enter the season as the primary scoring option, but he should be regarded as the Toronto Raptor’s best defender. Overall,  players shoot 31-percent from three and 39.7-percent overall when he is defending them. He also averaged the most defensive win shares which means his defense statistically contributes the most to the Toronto Raptor’s success. Besides looking at just numbers, there is a lot to take from Siakam’s defensive abilities.

It’s not that much of a stretch to say that Siakam is capable of guarding all five positions. His matchup data proves it by showing that he has guarded James Harden on an average of 31 possessions a night, and Russell Westbrook on an average of 24 possessions a night. His foot speed and length make him a nightmare for any player any size. A good example is shown here with George Hill thinking he has a mismatch with Siakam switching on to him.

Siakam’s help defense is also one of his most notable attributes, and the perfect example comes from this insane defensive play that happened earlier in the season against Detroit. The game, unfortunately, ended in a loss, but his effort to come from as far out as the top of the key to block a lob to the basket was extremely impressive.

With Siakam’s offensive role dramatically increasing for next year, there is a possibility that his defensive numbers may drop because of his responsibility as the primary scoring option. However, his length, speed, defensive awareness, and versatility to guard all five positions show that he is the most valuable defender on the Toronto Raptors.