Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from big Game 3 win vs. Magic

1. Evolving from MIP to MVP

With the 27th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors selected some kid from New Mexico State University well ahead of his second round projection. Masai Ujiri and company saw something special after the 25-year-old just started playing the game on a professional scale at the age of 17.

Fast forward to the 2018 offseason and Pascal Siakam was working out in Los Angeles and Toronto in the summer. Everyone around him was starting to see what Toronto’s scouting had.

Fast forward a couple more times and we see Siakam as the leading candidate to win Most Improved Player, and now in the playoffs, he has taken his play to another level playing like an absolute superstar. His regular season averages of 16.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game have evolved in a three-game sample size of 24.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game on 55 percent shooting.

It’s not just his averages that have improved, but his demeanor and confidence too. He’s taking tough shots, stopping opponent’s runs with both his offense and defense, and of course there’s his signature post-up and spin move that no one has answer to.

Just look at this offensive possession, where Leonard passes the rock after failing to find open space. Siakam accepts it willingly, knowing how vital the possession is for their chances to win the game:

Siakam has been nothing short of sensational so far in the postseason.

Regardless of Kawhi’s free agency decision, he gives Toronto Raptors fans someone to be excited for in the present and the future.