Did ESPN rank the Toronto Raptors correctly in their top 100?

Pascal Siakam

Rank: 22

Last Years Rank: N/A

Here is where it gets tough. There really is no ceiling for Pascal Siakam. In one year, he has transformed from an unknown talent to a top 25 player in the NBA. That kind of leap is truly remarkable.

Even Raptors fans who knew Siakam was talented, could not have envisioned this type of development so soon. The reigning Most Improved Player of the Year is now the number one scoring option and the franchise cornerstone. No longer under Kawhi’s shadow, expect Siakam to take another massive leap this coming season as an All-Star caliber player.

Players like Blake Griffin (24th) and Mike Conley (23rd) are ranked lower than Siakam on this list and rightfully so. Both are established All-Star caliber players, but they are also either near the tail end of their primes or just past it. Siakam is still ascending, and with more responsibility under his belt, he is sure to surpass those two in production.

Having players such as Jimmy Butler (21st) and Bradley Beal (19th) ranked ahead of Siakam also makes sense because these are all established stars, still in the primes of their careers. Siakam has work to do to catch up to these guys, although it’s very possible that he does.

Given his production to this point, ranking him 22nd seems like a fair spot. However, do not be surprised if he surpasses this ranking and plays even better than projected. Raptors fans should feel excited about what’s to come for Spicy-P.