Toronto Raptors: Four surprising players one month into the season

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 14: Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors grabs a defensive rebound during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Amalie Arena on January 14, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

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Pascal Siakam

Anyone who has paid any attention to the Toronto Raptors knows that Pascal Siakam is struggling. The All-NBA performer from last year notably struggled in the resumed season but that was tacked up to being one of the many players that found the bubble mentally taxing.

Some of the continued struggles should have been predictable then. Toronto is the only team that is not playing at home; instead, they have been relegated to a temporary residence in Tampa. While it is not the same as the bubble, the players are still separated from their normal life.

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Even with that in mind, Siakam’s struggles have been notable. He is averaging only 18.8 points per game this season, down from 22.9 a season ago. This can be somewhat attributed to taking 2.1 shots less per game. His long-range shooting is also suffering, down from 35.9 percent to 25.0 percent.

The defensive end is not much better. Last season Siakam had the second-highest defensive rating of anyone on the team who played at least eight minutes per game. Putting his current rate in that context and he would have been the worst defensive player in the rotation a year ago. Siakam even got benched for disciplinary reasons. Something is going on here and the curious eye should keep an eye on it.

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