Raptors: Bobby Webster gives Pascal Siakam injury update

Toronto Raptors media day is finally upon us, as several impactful questions are still lingering over this team. While GM Bobby Webster was the first person to come to the podium, fans were nervously awaiting an update on the status of star power forward Pascal Siakam and his injury woes.

Siakam is almost assuredly not going to be ready at the very start of the season, as he underwent a shoulder operation over the summer that will likely sideline him until November comes around. Is there any chance that he ends up being ready to play sooner than later?

Webster didn’t exactly leave the door open for Siakam to start in the regular-season opener against Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards, but based on his comments, it does sound like Siakam is very close to resuming somewhat normal basketball activities, which is a great sign.

Webster claims that Siakam has not yet been cleared for contact, but he had been going through 1-on-0 workouts at the facility. Webster claims that Siakam “looks good” while assuring fans that he believes Toronto’s Cameroonian star is “happy and ready to go.”

Considering how serious his operation was, this is an encouraging sign.

Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam is working his way back.

Siakam might have seen his scoring take a slight downturn in tandem with his 3-point shooting last year, but considering how the entire organization was in a funk and separated from their home while in Tampa, it wouldn’t be crazy to chalk last year up to simply some bad luck courtesy of the basketball gods.

The front office has been very upfront about the fact that it might be tough to consistently reel off victories due to the fact this team is very young and raw on the offensive end, but they aren’t giving up on the postseason just yet, and a healthy Siakam returning to form, is integral to realizing that vision.

Having said that, Siakam might be Toronto’s most prized asset right now, and risking him back slightly early might lead to further injury. The Raptors should exercise caution and only let Siakam return to play when all parties can agree that he is ready.

Siakam is eyeing a comeback season after last year’s poor start made some folks around the NBA forget that he is one of the best in the game at his position. Assuming that his shoulder rehab is handled properly, fans should have the expectation of a renaissance year on offense for No. 43.