1. Pascal Siakam’s efficiency
Siakam’s shooting is one of the main reasons that Toronto has been able to play the way they have on the offensive end. After nearly earning an All-Star nomination in the first half, Siakam has looked completely winded and exhausted so far in the second half.
Over the last four games, Siakam is scoring just 12 points per game and making 29% of his shots in that span. The fact that Tuesday’s win against the Nets, a game in which he fouled out and went 7-19 and turned the ball over four times, was his best game of the second half should set off some serious alarm bells here.
Pascal Siakam has slowed down for the Toronto Raptors.
Siakam had reportedly been dealing with a non-COVID illness for the first few games, so that could be the culprit. Even if Siakam doesn’t reel off 30 points every night, the odds of a player like him making 29% of his shots for the rest of the season simply does not seem high at all.
Siakam is getting good looks at the basket, but they simply are not dropping. With one or two more solid offensive performances, Pascal should get back on the right track. Given the lack of bench scoring behind him, Toronto needs that as soon as possible.
Verdict: Patience