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The Toronto Raptors must stay the course with Pascal Siakam

By Jason Mills

Mar 31, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) dribbles the ball up the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) dribbles the ball up the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
May 2, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) shoots against Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports. /

Pascal Siakam’s stats are good

At age 26, Siakam has already played a big role in helping his team, and himself secure an NBA title in 2019. He was also declared the Most Improved Player that season and was honored with an all-star appearance last year for his on-court efforts. None of these accomplishments occur without hard work that translates onto the stats sheet.

While his three-point average is down to 29.7 percent from 35.9 last season, Siakam is only averaging 21.4 points a game, slightly lower than last season’s 22.9. It means he is finding a variety of ways to score and contribute to the Raptors’ success.

Pascal Siakam is improving as a playmaker.

In addition to his three-point average being down, his overall field goal averages are similar to last season at 45.5 percent.

Despite this, Siakam remains a good free-throw shooter at 82.7 percent and continues to improve his playmaking skills, averaging 4.5 assists per game while he averaged just 3.5 last season. Siakam has scored 25 points or more 19 times this season, and more than 30 in two of his last four games, including 44 vs. the Washington Wizards.

Despite missing some game-winning shots, Siakam is the Raptors’ top scorer, and trading him away now would not be wise.