Toronto Raptors: What is Pascal Siakam’s ceiling?
By Jason Mills
The numbers never lie, Pascal Siakam’s ceiling is high
Pascal Siakam has been on a meteoric rise since his drafting by the Toronto Raptors in the June 2016 NBA Draft. The statistics do not lie. In his rookie season, Siakam was averaging just 4.2 points per game in 15.6 minutes and did start 38 of 55 games he appeared in. His sophomore season saw him appear in 81 games averaging 7.4 points and 20.7 minutes a game.
Last season he was the second-leading scorer on the Raptors at 16.9 points a game and he saw 31.9 minutes of court time a game as a starter. His stat line in 2018/19 earned him the NBA’s MIP award.
His production continues to grow year over year as this fourth-year Raptors’ power forward is averaging 25.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists a game. His 25.1 points are nearly 10 points higher than his season average a year ago if he maintains his current scoring pace. Siakam could once again become the Most Improved Player in the NBA in 2020 for a second consecutive year.
At the age of 25, youth and time are on Pascal Siakam’s side as far as development is concerned. He has come a long way much faster than anyone could have ever predicted or hoped for. The young man works hard to be a better basketball player and plays the game just as hard. Siakam also finds ways to help his team win.
A week ago on Sunday, against the Los Angeles Lakers, Siakam shot just 9-of-25 but still managed to score 24 points, record 11 rebounds, and lead his team to a 113-104 victory over the Lakers. Siakam is growing into a star right in front of our eyes so there is no telling how high and how bright his star will shine.
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In 2020, the next steps are likely an All-Star game appearance if not by a vote by coach’s addition and a strong possibility of repeating as the league’s MIP. He has already met every challenge he has been presented with and his ceiling can be as high as he wants it to be.