Toronto Raptors: 3 key players that underperformed in 2020-21

1. Pascal Siakam

Siakam went from being an All-Star starter last year to being left off the team in 2020-21. Siakam was supposed to be a reliable first option on offense coming into the season, and he wasn’t as unguardable as he looked last year.

His biggest problem early was shooting threes. He shot 20%rom three, attempting 3.5 per game, in January. Siakam’s shooting struggles continued for the whole season, he ended with a 29.7 3-point percentage. This was the biggest reason his scoring dropped by 1.5 points this season.

Will Pascal Siakam improve in 2020-21 for the Toronto Raptors?

Because of Kyle Lowry’s age, Siakam is the most important player on the Raptors roster. Siakam has to consistently play like the Raptors’ best player if the team wants to compete. A lot of the Raptors’ success next season will depend on Siakam’s ability to be a consistent go-to player.

Even if Lowry returns, a big chunk of the offense will run through Siakam. For context, Siakam will be paid $4 million less than Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis next season. There is still a possibility that Siakam can develop into a player slightly less effective than Davis, but shooting under 30% from 3-point range won’t get it done.

Siakam destroyed Davis the last time they played and looked like the better player that night. Regardless, this is the role the Raptors are asking him to play.