Stock up, Stock down as Raptors finally return to full health

Pascal Siakam is officially back with the Toronto Raptors, which could give this team the energy and drive they need to prove they can be a viable long-term contender. Toronto managed to go 5-5 without their unquestioned best player, a showing most teams in the league would be unable to mirror.

The Raptors came into a duel with the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-game winning streak, as they overcame a Luka Doncic masterclass to beat the Mavericks and held a very tough Cavaliers team to 88 points at home. Unfortunately, the Pelicans beat the stuffing out of them despite Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum missing the game.

The Raptors’ difficult start to the season is not going to get easier, as they have yet another game against the Nets coming up before they have to contend with Jayson Tatum and the mighty Celtics. Toronto needs to get back into the groove they found at the end of last season.

In what has been a crazy few weeks for the Raptors, a handful of players have managed to step up and improve their standing on the team. However, a few players need to hit the reset button and put some poor showings behind them.

Toronto Raptors: Stock Up, Stock Down after return of Pascal Siakam.

Stock Up: Pascal Siakam

The Raptors were flailing like a beached whale offensively without Siakam, as they lacked that supercharger who could kickstart the engine and get the unit working well together. Even though they’ve been 1-1 since he returned, Siakam looks like his old self.

Siakam has averaged 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in his two performances since his return. By scoring 17 points in the first half of the Cleveland win, Siakam showed that even with increased defensive attention, he can be one of the game’s best scorers.

Pascal Siakam will lead the Toronto Raptors.

One of the most illuminating parts of Siakam’s game is how well everyone else shoots when he is in the lineup. Gary Trent Jr. and O.G. Anunoby have much better 3-point shooting numbers when Siakam passes them the ball. This will be an interesting trend to watch because Toronto lacks amazing shooting depth.

Siakam may not have been at his best at New Orleans, but the fact that he’s this effective while coming back from a groin injury that can typically take a while to fully recover from is very encouraging. The Raptors are still only going to go as far as he takes them.