Sports Illustrated ranks 4 Toronto Raptors in top 100, did they get it right?
Pascal Siakam – Ranked 24th
Ranked immediately below him: Khris Middleton, Mike Conley, Jrue Holiday
Ranked immediately ahead of him: Ben Simmons, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul
Our top-ranked Raptor, Pascal Siakam punches in at 24th overall, four spots ahead of Kyle Lowry and at an overall position which is too low.
In regards to players behind him, Siakam is a clear selection ahead of all of them. Respect to Jrue Holiday, who is a fine player, but Siakam put up comparable scoring numbers far more efficiently, defended similarly, and played a position which is much harder to find. Conley and Middleton, are in a tier below in the Kyle Lowry range.
With everyone ranked appropriately behind him, Siakam is able to outrank a few players above him as well.
Ben Simmons is one of the most unique players in the NBA, and therefore, one of the toughest to place. But when comparing him to head-to-head with Pascal Siakam, it doesn’t feel like much of a contest.
Both players are similar level defenders, similar rebounders, while Simmons holds the advantage in playmaking. However, the significant difference between the two is the Siakam’s ability to play off the ball. Simmons inability to shoot has a cascading impact throughout the rest of the team, which the primary reason why the team was better with him off the floor last season (according to CTG).
Simmons is a great player without a jumpshot. He’s not better than Siakam.
While on the floor, Chris Paul is an absolute beast. He’s an impact scorer, playmaker, and still a fantastic defender. Minute for minute, Paul is still a better player. But if you’re not on the court you can’t make an impact. And Paul, as great as he is, just can’t stay healthy anymore.
Siakam has a case to surpass LaMarcus Aldridge, Al Horford, and even Draymond Green this season. Each ranked ahead of him individually isn’t egregious, but Siakam is being ranked last in a group of players who are close to his equal.
Overall, Siakam should definitely be at least a few spots higher on this list, with an argument of up to crack him in the top 20.
Ranking – too low
Next. Canada could handle another team beyond the Raptors. dark
Sports Illustrated’s list was far from perfect. However, compared to other lists across the years, it did a pretty good job of placing the Toronto Raptors.