Pascal Siakam's Play Will Decide Whether or Not Raptors Trade Kyle Lowry and Blow it All Up
By Michael Luciano
It's the dawn of a new day in Toronto, as Kawhi Leonard's exodus to LA has left the Raptors bereft of their paradigm-changing superstar.
With Leonard no longer up north, Pascal Siakam, who was just handed a massive contract extension, will become the marquee player on Nick Nurse's squad. And as he goes, so go the 2019-20 Raptors.
ESPN story with @ZachLowe_NBA on Pascal Siakam and Toronto agreeing on a four-year, $130M maximum rookie contract extension. https://t.co/p04BZE3qhb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2019
Siakam is already the reigning NBA Most Improved Player, but if he doesn't once again make a leap and evolve into a No. 1 option, Toronto may not be able to resist trading longtime point guard and perennial All-Star Kyle Lowry and blowing this puppy up.
16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game are certainly solid stats, but they're not the type that should be coming from a guy who is expected to lead his team to a top half spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Something approaching 20/10 is a must for Spicy P.
If Siakam either flops or hits his ceiling, a reboot will soon be necessary. Trading Kyle Lowry and perhaps Fred VanVleet to get back some draft picks for a front office that has been starved of quality selections in the last few years may have to be the move.
Ball's in your court, Pascal.
Pascal Siakam is one of the most rapidly improving players in the NBA.
— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) October 19, 2019
2016-17: 4.2 PPG on 50.5 eFG%
2017-18: 7.3 PPG on 53.7 eFG%
2018-19: 16.9 PPG on 59.1 eFG%
Raptors just made a 4-year, $130M bet that he will continue to progress. pic.twitter.com/3ix0bJlU1C
Toronto is a mortal lock to make the playoffs in a weak East if they don't tear it all down too early, but in so many ways, Siakam faces a make-or-break season as a Raptor that could change the direction of this franchise for years to come.