Raptors Select Paskal Siakam 27th

[OAKLEY_2]

So this draft was like Bruno all over again.

This draft is nothing close to Bruno. If we drafted Skal and Davis that would be like Bruno. Explain why you think this.

If people advocated Skal or Davis they would have the crapshoot part of the draft figured out but the part about doing one's homework would have been foresaken to play video games.

[NERDbwoy]

In his two seasons at New Mexico State, Siakam ended up being named WAC freshman and WAC player of the year, respectively.

As previously stated, despite the pick being a reach, this isn’t a Caboclo situation where the prospect Ujiri is bringing in has next to no high-level basketball experience, yet alone accomplishments.

In the two seasons Siakam played with the Aggies he showed real shot blocking instincts, something that will instantly draw him comparisons to Raptors free-agent-to-be Bismack Biyombo, who is also an athletic, all-energy, shot-blocking big man.

Unlike Biyombo, however, Siakam seems to have a much more polished offensive technique with a low-post game that features more agile footwork and a developing mid-range jumper.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/person-interest-raptors-no-27-pick-pascal-siakam/

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlZpqicKRBM[/youtube]

I'm convinced he's Ibaka 2.0 without the 3 point range (not yet). It's obvious Masai is drafting guys that are defence first and with length (Delon, Bruno). Paskal is long, can block shots, run the floor, has softer hands than Biz (Butterfinger Biz) and already has a small hook shot and face up jump shot. Can't spell Paskal without the SKAL , some people were brainwashed that he came from Kentucky and was highly recruited look what happened now.

[Wizdome]

What's everyone's fascination with Skal. I was never really impressed with him when I say him play. The guy averaged 6 points and 3 rebounds on a per of 18.

[CrookedJ]

Would have been very curious how they had Siakam ranked vs Brice Johnson. As we approached the mid 20s my thoughts were that the only guy I would be pissed if we passed on was Johnson. He ended up going to LAC at 25. I think Siakam looks pretty similar to Johnson.

I think its very apparent from this pick that motor and work ethic were huge factors, and Skal and Davis seem to have flopped on those.

[Kabookalu]

I looked through the draft thread in the GB and some are calling him Tristan Thompson 2.0. Not bad with the 27th.

[dennistokyo]

Do you guys know anything about him? I've read that he has a mid-range jumper, high motor, length and is very coachable. If you're bothered by your guy not getting picked, well no one likes your guy.

QFT



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IFYM

[CoachJReturns]

who the heck is this guy? Even if Skal might flop.. at 27th you can take that risk.. what the heck happened in this draft. I'm not happy with either pick.

Based on my expert analysis of watching one of his youtube clips, he reminds me of Quincy Acy.

The people that know Paskal Siakam, and didn't go WTF when his name was announced, really like him for what it's worth. Just reading his profile he's one of those late bloomers that started playing basketball at an older age. The upside is that the sport he played before basketball was soccer. No idea how he'll pan out, but we'll see what he can do in the D-League.

Thank you. Pascal is tall, long PF who can guard the perimeter, block shots and will eventually be a shooter. We still need some outside shooting but he's a perfect guy for our system and he doesn't have to operate in the same space as JV.

I agree with most of your points. He is tall, long, can guard the perimeter and block shots. He tested as a very solid athlete.
However, how do we know he will eventually be a shooter? Some guys get there and some don't. He seems comfortable shooting 10-15 feet from the basket judging by highlights and his pre-draft workout videos. Looks terrible from further out though. Not saying it's impossible for him to develop it, but we shouldn't just assume it's a given.

[LURKINSINCE2003]

I wish for just once this board would act like they've been to the show before. The meltdowns are just ridiculous. If teams are passing on someone, there's usually a reason for it. Let's not forget we got Norman Powell last year. In Masai we trust.

[G R E Y]

Let's let the young man Paskal play a minute before bringing out the pitchforks for Masai. If he's at least a Biz clone, then it's worth the pick regardless of where he was slated. It's not like this pick in the late 1st is egregious like the 10 and 13 picks were. If you're going to reach, and you don't want trade down so low that you risk losing him, then by all means. If he turns out better than Biz, then it's a better-than-27 choice.

Fans get caught up in draft slot, but players have no say, of course. Some wilt under the pressure of a higher selection, others use a lower selection as motivation, thinking they should have gone higher. In the end, it's who the player will be some years down the line, and if our two choices in our program give us even more defensive tenacity coupled with length and strength, then we will be a nightmare to play against.

You know who would look good in a long and strong line-up? Durant. Just saying...

p.s. Welcome to Toronto, Jakob and Paskal!

[Irwin_fletcher]

I mentioned Ibaka out of the box as a comparison, but here are a few of the closest comparisons based on height/weight/length with comparable games
Taj Gibson
Andrew Nicholson
David West
Earl Clark
Ivan Rabb (who many wanted at 9 had he come out)
Ekpe Udoh
Derrick Favors
Brandon Wright

That's a pretty good list with different levels of high and low end that help justify the pick. Just up to Siakam to get the most out of his body now.

[twiggy2]

Dude averaged 20 points 11.6 boards 1.7 assist 2.2 blocks and a steal. All while staying on the court for 35 minutes. He should be on the active roster. Screw the dleague. I bet our roster is set after demar gets his coin on.
PG Lowry, Joseph, delon
SG Demar, Nasty norm.
SF DC, Ross, Bruno
PF 2pat, Paskal
C JV, Poeltl, Bebe

[CrookedJ]

What's everyone's fascination with Skal. I was never really impressed with him when I say him play. The guy averaged 6 points and 3 rebounds on a per of 18.

Its mostly hangover hype from 12 months ago when as an incoming freshman he was projected top 3. Apparently he was insanely impressive last spring at the Hoops Summit workouts and practices.

His backers feel that the UK year was a flop due to some combination of being asked to play more inside than he wanted, losing his confidence, whatever. No one liked what they saw at UK, just some thought he could get past that.

[Risk101]

Lol why does Wade care who we pick
[tweet]https://twitter.com/johnschuhmann/status/746343992757993472[/tweet]

[SwaggyB]

Haven't seen him play much, but definitely see the Biyombo comparisons from his highlights. Curious if he has similar lowlights to Biz, certainly looks like he has better ability to catch a ball and go up, albeit against weaker competition.

[arbsn]

What's everyone's fascination with Skal. I was never really impressed with him when I say him play. The guy averaged 6 points and 3 rebounds on a per of 18.

He had a disappointing freshman season - happens to a lot of guys. The undeniable fact was that he was ranked #2 on the ESPN top 100 which gives him about a 90% chance of becoming an NBA all-star.

That, along with his size, shooting potential, and defensive potential make him a solid prospect. At 27 he would have been a solid pick. Tough to judge though maybe Siakam is the real deal never really heard of him

[Irwin_fletcher]

Based on my expert analysis of watching one of his youtube clips, he reminds me of Quincy Acy.

The people that know Paskal Siakam, and didn't go WTF when his name was announced, really like him for what it's worth. Just reading his profile he's one of those late bloomers that started playing basketball at an older age. The upside is that the sport he played before basketball was soccer. No idea how he'll pan out, but we'll see what he can do in the D-League.

Thank you. Pascal is tall, long PF who can guard the perimeter, block shots and will eventually be a shooter. We still need some outside shooting but he's a perfect guy for our system and he doesn't have to operate in the same space as JV.

I agree with most of your points. He is tall, long, can guard the perimeter and block shots. He tested as a very solid athlete.
However, how do we know he will eventually be a shooter? Some guys get there and some don't. He seems comfortable shooting 10-15 feet from the basket judging by highlights and his pre-draft workout videos. Looks terrible from further out though. Not saying it's impossible for him to develop it, but we shouldn't just assume it's a given.

The only thing I will add to this, is what we see of his developing jumper currently all came from last summers training. Before then, he was a total minus from anywhere outside of 3 feet. If he can add that much shooting potential in a single summer, it really gives me a lot of hope for a very teachable, malleable player.

[[SJJ]]

Lol why does Wade care who we pick
[tweet]https://twitter.com/johnschuhmann/status/746343992757993472[/tweet]

Damn is DWade getting into web development?

[CoachD]

It's time to have a real discussion on Masai's drafting ability. Same with Bruno, this is a guy you could get with a 2nd rounder. Why reach for someone like this?

Correct me if I'm wrong... but they didn't HAVE a second rounder

[3Si]

Copying down all you Skal haters. When Skal turns out to be better than PasWTFcal, watch out!

[BoyzNTheHood]

It's time to have a real discussion on Masai's drafting ability. Same with Bruno, this is a guy you could get with a 2nd rounder. Why reach for someone like this?

Correct me if I'm wrong... but they didn't HAVE a second rounder

Also, 2nd rounders were being sold for over 2 million dollars apiece. Too much money!!!