Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from promising Game 1 win vs. 76ers

2. Pascal Siakam is officially the second option

One of the funniest answers from the first round series against the Orlando Magic was when Nick Nurse responded to a question about Siakam’s great play of late, “I think it’s time to move him up from out of the third option.” The comment was after the Toronto Raptors’ Game 3 win, and since then, his play has gotten even better.

Siakam has been the most consistent postseason performer for the team this year. He is averaging career playoff-highs in every major category — 23.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 makes from beyond the arc per game on an efficient overall 57.1 percent shooting.

In his matchup against the Sixers, Siakam completely outplayed his opponent, Tobias Harris. He is capable of physically overwhelming Harris in the post, and with his high motor, outruns his defender in transition.

Siakam’s ability to shoot the 3-ball is a welcomed addition in creating space for the offense. He can hit a jumper from the corner or create his own shot posting up in timely matters, like end-of-shot clock situations. He has emerged as the bona fide secondary option in the team’s offensive sets.

Defensively, he uses his length to contest and quickness to stay with his opponent. Saturday he held Harris to 35.3 percent shooting and helped keep Simmons from being effective in the half-court. On the Lowe Post Podcast, Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN said he had Siakam on his All-Defensive Second Team. Siakam has officially developed into an elite defender.

It remains to be seen whether he will be the next Scottie Pippen to Kawhi Leonard’s Michael Jordan, but if his postseason run is any indication, it seems inevitable.