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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
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MAY 01: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Pascal Siakam is not overpaid

In October of 2019, Siakam signed an extension to his rookie contract worth $130 million over four years to continue playing with the Raptors. He had played a significant role in the 2019 playoffs, leading to the Raptors reaching the pinnacle of NBA success. He was also named the Most Improved Player in 2019 and would play in his first All-Star game in 2020.

Siakam would also start proving in the absence of Kawhi Leonard that he could be the team’s star. After the Florida Bubble struggle from last year and some uneven play this season, there are rumblings he is overvalued. This is not the case.

Siakam was drafted in 2016 at No. 27 overall. If the 2016 Draft were redone, knowing what we know now, Siakam would be at least a top-five pick in a draft re-do. It is hard to say that Siakam does not belong among this group. Brandon Ingram put up similar, and his draft classmate signed a five-year $158 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Pascal Siakam’s contract value is fair.

Leonard’s arrival in Toronto helped a young core of talent, including Siakam, ascend to championship status. Players who can lead or shine on the big stage are hard to find, and Siakam already has done it and knows what it takes to do it.

While Jamal Murray ($27.2 million) led Denver to the Western Conference Finals last year, he is out with knee trouble for the remainder of this season. Ben Simmons ($30.5 million) has yet to lead Philadelphia beyond the second round of the playoffs.