The Toronto Raptors managed to send a representative to All-Star weekend for the second time in as many years, as Pascal Siakam was named to the 2023 NBA All-Star Game roster as a replacement for Kevin Durant after he was traded out of the Eastern Conference. His numbers prove that he belongs in this elite tier.
Siakam came into this game averaging 25.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Considering that Siakam was named All-NBA twice before this All-Star nomination, and his per game averages are exceeding everything he’s done in his career to this point, the league got it right by honoring him.
Siakam was selected by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team, which could make some Raptors fans nostalgic for the days when Giannis was being linked to Toronto. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a native Canadian, was also on Giannis’ team. The connection between Pascal has many in Canada crossing their fingers and hoping Shai will end up in Toronto.
Siakam was on the receiving end of a Gilgeous-Alexander dime in the second quarter. Cursed with the fact they have to play in small markets in Oklahoma City and Toronto, the pair are taking this opportunity to show the general public how good they can be.
https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1627493294669463554
Toronto Raptors: Pascal Siakam finished a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pass.
Siakam wasted no time trying to make his presence felt, as one of his first possessions of the game was a rim-rattling dunk that announced to the rest of the world that he was going to put on a show. The fact that he was trying to play some defense shows that the muscle memory he picked up from Nick Nurse is not going away any time soon.
Siakam finished the first quarter with four points and three rebounds, which is impressive considering how often he was fighting for space alongside the best and brightest in the NBA. With 12 points and seven rebounds after 10 first-half minutes, Pascal was one of the best players on the floor.
While SGA was considered a high-end Raptors trade target after several losing seasons with the Thunder, he has them right in the thick of the playoff race this year. Fans will have to settle for this display being the only SGA/Spicy P connection they’ll see.
Shai to Siakam looks great
— Talking Raptors (@TalkingRaptors) February 20, 2023
After Fred VanVleet was not featured heavily on the gameplan during the 2022 All-Star game, Siakam and Gilgeous-Alexander are out here lighting up the NBA stage. Those with Siakam agendas to push have to be thrilled with some of the highlights.