This Canadian's breakout with the Pacers highlights Raptors' misstep in Siakam trade

On November 18, the Toronto Raptors managed to break their frustrating seven-game losing streak with a hard-fought victory over the Indiana Pacers.

One player who captured attention was Pacers' rising star, Bennedict Mathurin, who dazzled with 28 points, five rebounds, and two assists. His performance has left Raptors fans pondering the ‘what if’ of his potential arrival in Toronto, especially in light of last year's trade discussions for Pascal Siakam.

The Raptors opted for a package deal that ultimately resulted in them parting ways with their Cameroonian star in exchange for veteran Bruce Brown, a few role players, and draft capital.

Brown’s hefty $20+ million contract was instrumental in facilitating the deal, which also included Kira Lewis Jr. and Jordan Nwora—both of whom are no longer in the league. Three first-round picks were dealt to the Raptors, one of which became the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Ja'Kobe Walter. Another pick was traded in a deal to acquire Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji, while the final pick is protected 1-4 via Indiana in 2026.

While Toronto did acquire a few solid assets, with the final piece of the puzzle yet to be revealed, they missed out on what could have been a significant addition to their roster: Bennedict Mathurin.

Bennedict Mathurin is balling out for Indiana

Many were surprised by Indiana's decision to keep Mathurin, especially since he appeared to be a movable asset throughout his inconsistent sophomore season. While players like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith featured prominently in the Pacers’ rotation, Mathurin struggled to find his footing. His challenges regarding consistent minutes and a defined role could have made him a prime candidate for a trade.

Enter Masai Ujiri, the Raptors' president, renowned for his shrewdness in the trade market, was seemingly primed for a savvy acquisition that could have turned around Toronto's fortunes.

Looking back, the Pascal Siakam trade stands as a curious decision for the Raptors. With the taken path of securing future draft capital, they didn’t acquire a player who could play a pivotal role in their rebuild. While Ujiri's past successes fuel optimism, there was a missed opportunity to tap into Mathurin's potential—a player known for his athleticism and shooting ability.

Instead, the Raptors find themselves with a veteran who is still recovering from injury and a trade that appears weak on the surface. Now, Mathurin’s resurgence in Indiana showcases not only his talent but also the gap in Toronto's lineup.

Think about it: an electrifying 22-year-old shooting guard with Canadian roots—he would have been an ideal fit next to Toronto’s roster, possibly as a starter or a dynamic spark off the bench. In cities like Toronto, having marquee players with local lineage creates significant fan engagement, reminiscent of the waves made by RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher, and Kelly Olynyk.

Raptors fans and the front office alike must witness Mathurin thrive and embrace his star potential in Indiana, echoing his stellar rookie showcase—a painful reminder of missed opportunities.