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Toronto Raptors: 15 takeaways from their 15-game winning streak

ByDuncan Smith|
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during player introductions prior to an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scotiabank Arena on February 10, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during player introductions prior to an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scotiabank Arena on February 10, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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Toronto Raptors
(Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)

8. Who needs stars?

The NBA is a star-driven league, as it has always been. The Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Los Angeles Lakers have LeBron James, the LA Clippers have… Paul George.

The Raptors are less of a star-driven team than some of the best teams in the league. They have a multi-pronged attack and can beat you with Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Terence Davis (Terence Davis!) and just about anybody else wearing black and red at the tip of the spear. That can be a drawback in the playoffs where the game slows down and you need to play through one star in a heliocentric fashion, but given their unique attributes, the Raptors might be the rare team that can deviate from the norm.

7. Pascal Siakam

Speaking of not having stars, check out Toronto’s All-Star, Pascal Siakam. Clearly, some star-power is needed in this league. Not even the Raptors can make a run with just a bunch of average players who work hard and are well-coached. Siakam has earned a starting All-Star Game spot while averaging 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists with shooting splits of .460/.367/.799. If the Raptors have a star whom they can rely on when the going gets tough, they’ll need Siakam to continue to play that role.

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