Raptors: Pascal Siakam takes important step in injury rehab

The Toronto Raptors have gotten off to a 2-3 start this season, as it’s clear that the lack of offensive creation outside of Pascal Siakam on this roster is holding them back. Raptors fans and team personnel alike are hoping that Siakam can make his season debut as soon as possible.

Due to a shoulder operation that he underwent in the offseason, Siakam has yet to take the floor. While this has opened the door for players like Scottie Barnes to show off his skills, it’s clear that this team is incomplete, and Siakam returning to the rotation should be a huge boost.

The Raptors have been managing Siakam’s return in a very judicious fashion, as they want to be absolutely sure that we get No. 43 at his absolute best when he returns to the lineup. Siakam just took a huge step in his recovery that could serve as a predecessor to his return to the lineup.

Siakam was assigned to Raptors 905 in the G League, as the organization wants to get him in game shape before they put him back in the rotation. This is a big year for Siakam and the Raptors, so managing his return effectively may have a huge impact on how productive Toronto is in the win column.

The Toronto Raptors are trying to get Pascal Siakam healthy.

Siakam might’ve gotten better ad a rebounder and passer while remaining sharp on the defensive end, but his offensive skills left a bit to be desired, as his scoring average declined. He’ll be the unquestioned focal point of the offense this season, and that is something that needs to improve.

Siakam is not the only Raptor on the mend, as Yuta Watanabe has also been out of the lineup due to his own injury woes. Watanabe might be on the same recovery schedule as Siakam, as the plan is for both of them to go to Mississauga in the name of ramping up their conditioning.

Per Michael Grange, Siakam is getting closer to a return, but he needs to eventually go to Los Angeles to have his shoulder surgeon approve his return. Grange postulates that the middle of November is the best bet for when we will see him return.

This offense looks incomplete and disjointed without Siakam on the floor, and if he is fully healthy, he could easily give this squad the shot in the arm they need while exhibiting his usual elite defense. Let’s just hope everything goes as planned.