Raptors: 3 bold predictions for Pascal Siakam in the 2021-22 season

2. Career high in points per game

Once the 2020-21 season came to an end, there was no one more publicly chastised on this team than Siakam. I get it, fans expect max performance from players making max money. Still, his scoring numbers didn’t look as bad as the haters would make it seem.

What’s interesting about his drop-off is the fact that even though his 3 point percentage fell, it barely made a dent in his scoring average, as he went from 22.9 PPG in 2019-20 to 21.4 last season.

That’s because his improved mid-range game allowed him to keep scoring even when he wasn’t hitting from long distance. More than half his two-point field goals attempted came from less than 10 ft away from the basket and he made 55.3% of those.

Even when defenders were in close range (2-4 ft away), he was able to finish 51.4% of those attempts. It also helps that he drained a career-high 82.7% from the charity stripe.

Pascal Siakam must be a better scorer for the Toronto Raptors.

For a Raptors squad that might lack some extra scoring punch this year (which was quite apparent on opening night), Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet will be relied on heavily to carry most of the offensive load.

If defenders start to respect his 3-point shot again and defend him tough on the perimeter, Siakam can defer back to slashing ways and get a higher percentage look at the rim or kick it out to the open man.

An uptick in 3-point percentage combined with his mid-range prowess and usual aggressive style of attacking the basket will most definitely boost Siakam’s scoring numbers.

I would not be surprised to see him average a career-high 23-24 points per game this season.