The Toronto Raptors have been a consistent playoff competitor over the past decade in the Eastern Conference, with Pascal Siakam being a major part of that over the past five seasons and this year he looks ready to explode into stardom.

Siakam is averaging 26.1 pts, 9.6 rebs & 7.4 assists this season on 47/39 shooting splits. He has been one of the best players to watch to begin the 2023 season and to put his form in context. Pascal has never averaged more than 22.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg or 5.3 apg.

He is 28 years old and entering the prime years of his career. Siakam may have entered the league as a raw talent but since becoming a starter ahead of the 18/19 season he hasn't looked back.

So far this season, Siakam has dropped a 37 point triple double (first Raptor to record multiple 30pt triple doubles). A 20pt, 13 assist game and led his team to a 4-3 record, despite a tough start against conference rivals (Cavaliers, Nets, Hawks, Heat x2 & 76ers x2).

Since his breakout year in 2019, Siakam has emerged as a top tier two way wing player in the NBA, largely thanks to his versatility, scoring ability and size. We are really witnessing that to begin this year, with his high scoring and high assist rate, while also defending at an elite level. Due to his size and mobility Siakam is one of very few players that can competently guard positions 1 through 5 while also being an efficient rim protector & an excellent perimeter defender.

Why this season?

Siakam has always been a player that has shown flashes of stardom and consistency but he has never done it across a full season, this year should be different for him.

He is not only entering, what should be, his prime production years but he is also right on the cusp of being considered the greatest Toronto Raptor of all time. He and Fred VanVleet are the only players remaining in Toronto, who played in the 2019 playoffs, but while both have been great servants for the team, Kyle Lowry is the major threat to Siakam for greatest Raptor of all.

However, Siakam has arguably achieved more as a Raptor (or will have done when all is said & done) and his All-NBA selection last season tied him for the most ever by a Toronto Raptor (2), a big year could give him another selection, as well as his 2nd All-Star selection, arguably making him a shoe in for Toronto's finest!

The main reason, though, Toronto need him to step up. This is arguably the first year that the Raptors are expected to challenge for a playoff place with Siakam as the lead player, that is capable of delivering. Maybe Scottie Barnes is the future star/leader of this team but in his 2nd year in the NBA he is not yet ready for the mantle. This is Siakam's time and if he wants it, it's there for him.

The Toronto Raptors are the team that nobody wants to face, whether that be during the regular season or in the playoffs, with Siakam as their leading force keep an eye out for a top 4 finish in the East.

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(PHOTO CREDIT- Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)