Patsfan1081 wrote:Dr Positivity wrote:getrichordie wrote:
That’s one of the more interesting questions. Who is more valuable? Markannen or Siakam?
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I'm a Raptors fan but I'm going Siakam easy. Siakam is already an all-star caliber PF (he's 14th in the league in RPM, 17th in BPM and 10th in WS) and with his athleticism and only just starting to develop his shooting games (growing 3pt range, doesn't take any midrange yet) he could end up being a monster. The Raptors big 2 of Lowry and Kawhi is quickly becoming a big 3 of Lowry, Kawhi and Siakam. I haven't voted for him higher because I assume his value is underrated, but I assume he has more than Markannen
Sorry but this is a little silly, being very efficient you're first twenty games of the season doesn't make you an all star, he's going to have to improve on his base stats of 15/6 to even get consideration. Lauri already put together a whole solid rookie campaign at 21, at that age Pascal was still in college than up and down in the G league a year later. I understand he came into the league raw but he's already 25, Lauri has multiple years left on his rookie contract and has already shown better rebounding and outside shooting at a much younger age. Pascal went from being very underrated to overated in a span of a week, let him keep his pace of play for at least a half of season befor labeling him a star.....
If Raptors have best record in the league they could get consideration for 3 all-stars, and Siakam is their 3rd best player, not just due to efficiency at 15pts in 30 minutes but also good defense, passing and intangibles.
I agree with getrichordie the stats need context and sometimes efficient guys numbers can be inflated, but my opinion is based on his skillset as well. There are times this year he's been too athletic and too good a ball handler for big men when they try to guard him, but if they put smaller faster defenders on him he scores over them. I will not be surprised at all if he puts up 20ppg seasons based on both that mismatch skillset and based on how he's at 15 pts now, but is at 18 per 36, and is doing it on a crazy TS%. In November he did 17 in 32 minutes and was a threat for 20 on a regular basis. So with increase in minutes and taking more shots trading in some efficiency for volume that should get him close alone. Right now he doesn't take any in between shots, if he added 15-20 foot jumper that would take his volume scoring game to the next level. In addition he was allowed to take 3s all last year at a historic low % as if they go in on at practice, and now it's showing signs of clicking in hitting 43% 3pt in November (12 for 28).
In short I could see Siakam being a 20ppg great defensive big who shoots 3s and passes it well which is insane value. That may sounds like a crazy homer take, but it's all there and his advanced stats are already on track as a 5.2 BPM, .215 WS/48 player who's one of the best +/- players in the league. As I said I understand it's Raptors fans secret how big an upside he has right now, which is why I haven't voted for him yet
