Toronto Raptors: Stock Take, plus the roster nears full health

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 15: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 15, 2020 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 15: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 15, 2020 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Pascal Siakam

Finally!

After 11 long and sometimes frustrating games, Pascal Siakam is back on the court for the Toronto Raptors. In his absence, kept afloat with a 6-5 winning record, but it hurts when you lose your best player.

Some sort of ring rust was expected following his return to the lineup against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, and in fairness, there was. But, Siakam got straight to work with a fadeaway jumper over DeRozan that banked in. Smooth.

From then on, he only went on to make another five field-goals, shooting 6-of-17 from the field for 15 points, adding five rebounds, and four assists. Had he made the potential game-winning layup, things might have been a little different. That’s a point-blank look that usually goes in, so we can credit it to a little rust on that front.

Against the Thunder, Siakam was edging back to his best in a pretty strong performance. In 30 minutes of action, Siakam had 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one steal, shooting 9-of-15 from the field and 1-of-2 from three.

For the Raptors, having their star player back can only be a good thing. With Siakam in the lineup, the Raptors are one step closer to a fully healthy roster. One that can, and will, compete for a top seed in the East.

It might not have been the greatest week in the world for Siakam, but just being back on the court is a win in my book.

VERDICT: STOCK UP

Next. How concerning is the Toronto Raptors record against top opponents?. dark

Here come the Toronto Raptors, folks. Brace yourselves.