2. His multifaceted game
While Allen is the superior rebounder and shot-blocker, the gap between him and Siakam in these two areas is now as wide as one would think. When you consider what Siakam is doing as a passer and ball-handler this season, it’s clear that he’s played a bigger part in Toronto’s success this season than Allen has with Cleveland’s turnaround.
Siakam is averaging 5.1 assists per game, which is by far the best mark he’s made in his career. Allen is a solid rim-runner, screen-setter, and dunker, but Siakam performing all of those tasks while occasionally serving as a backup point guard should be a shining example of his value.
Toronto Raptors: Pascal Siakam is helping out as a passer and rebounder.
Allen’s shot-blocking is superior to that of Siakam, but Pascal is still proving to be an excellent defender this season. Siakam is still one of the most switchable defenders in the game while doing everything he can to hold his own against some of the most skilled centers in the game when the matchup calls for it.
Siakam is averaging 1.6 steals in his last 10 games, showing that the chaotic defense Nick Nurse is trying to install can create tons of turnovers. On both ends, Siakam is making plays that are keeping Toronto in the playoff hunt.