2. Pascal Siakam is worth every penny of his max deal
In the absence of Kawhi Leonard, another step was expected for reigning Most Improved Player Pascal Siakam. Ask even the most rabid of his supporters, though, and even they’ll concede they never saw this coming.
In leading the Toronto Raptors to a 10-4 record, Siakam is averaging 25.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He’s attempting a career-high 6.2 3-pointers per game yet is hitting them at roughly the same clip as last year’s 36.9 percent mark.
Only six players in NBA history — with the prerequisite number of 3-point attempts — have compiled a similar stat line, and Siakam is well on his way to joining that elite company.
Pascal Siakam last season: 29% of 3-point attempts came from above the he break. He shot 27% on those.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) November 14, 2019
Pascal Siakam this season: 75% of 3-point attempts have come from above the break. He's shooting 42% on those.
Two seasons ago, Pascal Siakam averaged 7 points per game
Siakam’s progression has been on a sharp rise ever since he entered the league as an unheralded late first-round pick back in 2016. It’s why the Raptors gifted him a four-year, $130 million extension before the season, wholeheartedly trusting his rapid development to continue moving forward.
What they have now is beyond their wildest fantasies, as Siakam’s play won’t just have him in the upcoming All-Star Game, but it’s sure to keep Toronto a fixture in the playoffs for the foreseeable future.