In the East, nobody is expecting the Raptors to make much noise this season. After the departure of Kawhi Leonard, Toronto hasn’t been able to climb back into title contention — but they are actively working towards getting there.
This year, with Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet, the Raps could take another step up in the standings. Still, the Raptors will really only o as far as Pascal Siakam takes them.
While some believe he has already plateaued as a player, Siakam isn’t lacking in self-confidence.
Pascal Siakam Says He Is Ready For A Breakout Season
As he told the media ahead of the brand new season, he is aiming to be a top-five player in the league.
“You gotta assess your season and see how you can get better and the things that you need to do. I just feel like, yeah, it’s time to take another step. It’s always been that. I’ve always believed in that. I’ve tried every single year to take another step. For me, after the year that I had, I just feel like there’s so much things I can get better on, and for me, the next step, like I’ve been All-NBA, I’ve been an All-Star. I want to be a top-five player in the league. I want to be one of the best, and I will do everything that I can to work towards that.”
“I just wanted to make sure that we were on the same page. Obviously, it’s not talking about it, it’s about the actions that you do, the things that you do and how you carry yourself. I think I’m ready for it, yeah. It’s time.”
Pascal Siakam on his next step in the NBA:
“I want to be a top-five player in the league.”
(via @michaelgrange) pic.twitter.com/6OX7614MHP
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 26, 2022
Siakam, 28, is entering his 7th season as a pro with big expectations. After averaging 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game last campaign, Pascal is ready to improve his numbers further and take that next step in his career.
For the Raptors, they will be doing anything and everything they can do to help Siakam succeed. If he is at his best and playing well, it puts everything else into place for Toronto.
But until Pascal becomes a true leader, the Raptors will only go so far. They need him to take that leap if they want to start making a name for themselves in the East.
