Toronto Raptors Media Day was an odd showing for some of the key members of this organization, as new coach Darko Rajakovic was peppered with questions about his lawsuit, Scottie Barnes had a depressing take on last year, and Masai Ujiri tried (unsuccessfully) to instill calm in an agitated fanbase. Pascal Siakam was a bit more subdued and less bombastic in his answers.
Even as he prepares to play with a brand new coach with just one year left on his contract following an offseason of trade rumors, Siakam seems ready to turn the Raptors into a winner.
Pascal did not give a definitive answer about his desire to play with the Raptors long-term, but he did say that he is going to be motivated to “go out there and win games.” That’s the right attitude for Siakam to have, especially in a season where the vibes were so off.
Siakam also managed to deflect any questions about his contract extensions, saying in so many words that he will let his agents figure out that. No matter what else happens, Siakam figures to be at or near the top of the priority list in Rajakovic’s offense.
Siakam is asked again about if he’s willing to discuss an extension with the #Raptors before or during the season
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) October 2, 2023
“I’ll leave those type of questions with the people who represent me. So I don’t have to answer that.”
More Raptors news
- According to Rajakovic, all non-center positions will be fairly fluid and interchangeable for the Raptors this season. However, he did mention that Barnes is going to see a lot more time on-ball, which is further confirmation of his plan for the dynamic young star in the offseason.
- Raptors center Christian Koloko will be sidelined indefinitely as he recovers from what is being termed a respiratory issue. Koloko, who played a big role as a shot-blocker last season, was not able to participate in Summer League for that reason. Get well soon, Christian!
Christian Koloko is, however at Raptors media day in full uniform filming promos and such for the season, but was not one of the players scheduled to meet the media. https://t.co/GQag7b4cK1
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) October 2, 2023
NBA news
- Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler set the world on fire with his unusual “emo” hairstyle at his Media Day festivities. Knowing that the pictures he ends up taking will be used throughout the league’s graphics packages, Butler is taking this opportunity to troll the rest of the league.
- One of the biggest Toronto Raptors killers in history is back in the NBA, as Jeremy Lamb agreed to join the Sacramento Kings ahead of training camp. As Toronto can attest to, Lamb is more than good enough to stick around in the NBA as a scorer for a playoff team.
Will the front office eventually get a deal done with Siakam?