“Understanding That You’re Going to Get Attention”: Toronto Raptors Star Reveals He’s Still Adjusting to Being Team’s Number One
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CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 5: The Toronto Raptors huddle up during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 5, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
In the 2019 Off-Season, Kawhi Leonard departed from the Toronto Raptors after spending a historic season up north. The Raptors had never won a title in franchise history and Leonard helped them to achieve that. With him leaving, last season’s Most Improved Player Pascal Siakam had to step in for Leonard. And he has done that well.
Siakam is currently averaging 23.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. His FG has gone down from last year but it is understandable with him taking over more responsibility and therefore more shots. With him now being the best player on the roster, Siakam says he’s still coming to terms with it.
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“Understanding that you’re going to get attention, and know, how to be aggressive, and know, how to defer,” Siakam said during a conference call on Sunday. “It’s something that I’m learning and continuing to get better at. It’s an exciting time, seeing things that defenses are going to throw at me and adjust based on that.”
Can Pascal Siakam lead the Toronto Raptors to a second consecutive title?
“…Right now I’m not worried about being 100 percent or feeling like I’m all the way there,” Siakam continued. “I think it’s gonna be a process. I think the goal for us as a team, not just me, is to just peak at the right time. That’s what I’m focused on and continue to work gradually toward being the best, or playing my best basketball when it matters the most.”
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Siakam has been consistent for the Raptors this season and he has earned the praises of Raptors coach Nick Nurse. “I think he’s done outstanding,” Nurse said of Siakam. “I think that’s a big kind of mantle to carry in this league, to be a guy that’s, you know, go out there and get between 23 and 28 points every night or whatever as a lead scorer. He’s handled it great.”
But he recognizes that Siakam is still learning and has a long way to go. “The best part about it from my standpoint is there’s still a lot of ceiling there, I think. So that’s encouraging. I think his shooting will improve, I think his decision-making will improve, I think he’s just getting the ball in the basket period.”
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Despite being the second seed in the East, the Raptors have struggled against good teams. They currently have an 11-14 record against teams that are .500 or above. In the playoffs, they will have to do better if they aim to have a repeat of last year’s success.
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