Siakam needs to be the go-to guy
For now and for the foreseeable future, Pascal Siakam, whether he likes it or not, will be the man for the Raptors — the go-to guy when baskets will be required.
Only time and when times of duress arrive in the postseason can one properly judge the merits of Siakam assuming the mantle of franchise player.
It’s not like he asked for it, but it comes with the territory when a team invests the way the Raptors have in their all-star who fit in so well and so effectively when a true superstar in Kawhi Leonard was on the floor drawing so much attention.
You give Siakam a wellearned mulligan following his playoff flameout in the NBA’S bubble, where the joy of playing was non-existent, not to mention his offence in crunch time.
Unless there’s another bombshell trade on the horizon — which doesn’t seem likely — the Raptors will have to be creative in finding ways to surround Siakam with legitimate playmakers capable of creating their own shot.
It ain’t easy and the road ahead looms tough for a franchise that has arrived at a very interesting crossroads, a team with cap space looking at a free-agent market come next summer that isn’t that great following the Greek Freak’s commitment to stay in Milwaukee.
There’s a reason why head coach Nick Nurse wants to play fast, a style that doesn’t allow opposing defence to set their schemes, especially in the half court.
At his best, Siakam is playing downhill, making rim runs, taking his man off the dribble and heaving threes in transition as the trailer. The skill is undeniable. For his part, all Siakam can do is work hard and put himself in the best position to be at his best when the season begins.
During a Zoom call with reporters Wednesday, Siakam says he has seen progress every day.
He’s in better shape, moving better on the floor with the aim of getting back into the flow.
“I love it,’’ he said. “I have a good routine. I wake up as early as I can to get in work. I’m just trying to keep the same routine I had in the offseason.
“The body feels good, I feel stronger. There are little things I try to do to be better every day. I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Better balance — especially when finishing at the rim — explosiveness and being more fluid, there are plenty of things Siakam has focused on to take his game to the next level.
“You want to peak at the right time,’’ he added.
There’s no rim protector like Serge Ibaka, no big capable of making solid entry passes or swinging the ball the way Marc Gasol did, no alpha dog in Leonard.
Kyle Lowry might be the heart and soul of the franchise, but he’s in the final year of his deal, while Fred Vanvleet is entering the first year of a new four-year contract.
To say the Raptors are championship contenders would be wrong.
To say Siakam is about to enter a big season would be to state the obvious.
What’s required from Siakam is to show that he is mentally and physically capable of assuming that go-to role. And then it’s up to the Raptors to surround him with the necessary pieces.
As of today, it would seem a reach to suggest the team can or will acquire a piece that is better than Siakam.
Even in the pre-season, which wraps up Friday when the Raptors play a “home’’ game in Tampa against Miami, extra defenders have been sent Siakam’s way.
Coach Nick Nurse noticed the extra attention Charlotte gave Siakam in Monday’s tip.
Teams load up on players such as Siakam, who in turn need to make the right read and pass when the ball gets forced out of his hands.
During his Zoom call, Nurse spoke of adjustment the Hornets made when Siakam wanted to initiate drives.
“I give him credit for passing out of those (double teams) so willingly and doing it well,’’ Nurse said. “That’s kind of the scenario you find yourself a little more lately in this league when you’re a scorer. Teams are going to say: ‘OK, let’s hold down the other guys. This guy is going to get his anyway.’ Or some teams are saying: ‘This guy is not beating us tonight.’ On those nights you have to become a facilitator because there’s just no way to fight the game. It’s part of a development for him..”
TAKING THE LEAD
Vanvleet’s leadership is second to none.
He has the demeanour and character that’s infectious. When he speaks, teammates listen.
“I was born with it,’’ Vanvleet said when asked his role as leader. “Whether I like it or not I’ve been in this position a long time since I was a kid.
“At times, I wasn’t so good at it. Then there are times when I’m great at it. I try to manage that.”
While striving to reach his own ambitions and goals, Vanvleet is more than willing to guys reach their potential.
He keeps players accountable, which is what leaders do.
AGAINST THE ODDS
According to Sportsbetting. com, Luka Doncic (4:1) is the odds-on favourite to win league MVP.
Reigning two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is second followed by Steph Curry, Lebron James, Anthony Davis, James Harden, Leonard and Kevin Durant.
All the way at 250:1 one can find Siakam and Lowry.
Canadian Jamal Murray, whose game went off when he nearly led Denver to an NBA Finals appearance in the bubble, is at 150:1 to cop MVP.