4. Pascal Siakam is named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2021-22 season
The 2021-22 season for the Toronto Raptors marked a bit of a new step in their direction as a franchise. For starters, the Raptors were going into the season without their longtime franchise point guard Kyle Lowry, who had left for Miami in free agency.
But with a legend's departure came the luck of the draw, as the Toronto Raptors selected fourth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, going with versatile forward Scottie Barnes. Siakam worked perfectly with the new addition, as he put together one of the finest individual seasons of his career.
Pascal Siakam's game took new heights in 2021-22 as he made the All-NBA Third Team
Lowry's leadership and veteran experience were sorely missed, but the Raptors were able to rally way above expectations as they clinched the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2021-22 NBA season. Much of their success was due in part to the excellent introductory season from Barnes, who won Rookie of the Year. Siakam's stellar leap to All-NBA form also boosted this team's chances.
Siakam's stats improved to 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, being one of seven players in the league that year to average at least 20/8/5, while also becoming the first Raptor ever to achieve these numbers. Not bad for someone they said only had one post move.