Toronto Raptors: Statistical projections for 2019 starters

Power Forward: Pascal Siakam

Statistical Projections: 24 PPG, 10 RPG, 5 APG, 1 SPG, 1 BPG, 58% eFG

Pascal Siakam burst on the NBA scene last year, quickly becoming one the better young talents in the league. He won the Most Improved Player Award as he set career highs across the board. It’ll be hard to top what he did last season, but now that he is the unquestioned go-to scorer (and best player) on the team, Siakam could take another leap.

With an expected increase in usage Siakam’s raw scoring numbers will almost certainly improve. He was an animal scoring in the paint last season, and that dominance on the interior is going to continue. If he can take another step forward as an outside and mid-range shooter, defenses will have no hope in stopping him.

He has been a pretty decent playmaker throughout his career and that aspect of his game should take a step forward as well. With all the double-teams he is likely to receive, he can use his basketball IQ to find the open guy on the floor. With an increase in usage, Siakam’s efficiency could take a slight step back, but his offensive growth should keep it at an impressive figure.

On the defensive side, Siakam has been a consistent playmaker. Last year, he received votes for the NBA’s all-defensive team and was one of the first forwards left off the list. Siakam could improve on his playmaking on defense by getting more deflections, steals, and blocks.

The Toronto Raptors are going to live and die with the performance of Pascal Siakam. He’s the star of the team and it’s now expected for him to play like one. Even though the expectations seem to be very high for P-Sizzle, there’s no reason he can’t exceed them and be the leader during Toronto’s title defense.