Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from 2019 NBA offseason

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 2: Walking off the court after the loss is Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green (14), Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) and Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2). Toronto Raptors vs Golden State Warriors in 2nd half action of Game 2 of NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena. Warriors win 109-104 and even the series at 1-1. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. This is Pascal Siakam’s team now

Leonard’s departure, while disappointing, was long expected to be the end result of last summer’s risky acquisition. He became the face of the franchise, seizing those duties from Lowry — and DeMar DeRozan, at that. Lowry could regain that mantle now that Leonard’s gone, but there’s a more fitting prince ready to seize the crown.

Were it not for Leonard, the individual success story of last season would’ve been the ascendancy of Pascal Siakam. The native of Cameroon burst on to the scene last year, putting up career numbers across the board, averaging 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 36.9 percent from 3-point range.

He took his game to another level in the postseason, averaging 19.0 points per game, including a 32-point performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. In addition to a championship trophy, his season ended with the bestowment of Most Improved Player honors.

Siakam’s playing style is attractive to the eye. Spicy P plays hard on every possession, has a strong basketball IQ, works with a frenetic style that feels chaotic but almost always ends with him making the right play.

The forward will be 25 years old for most of the 2019-20 season and is making just $2.35 million this coming year according to Spotrac before he hits restricted free agency.

The sky’s the limit for Siakam, the best Toronto will have to offer for the coming years.

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