Can we just appreciate how impactful Siakam is

yoadknux · Post #1 » by **yoadknux** » Wed Sep 10, 2025 6:12 pm

I know the Pacers haven't won it all last year, but they were pretty darn close, and I feel like a lot of it has to do with Siakam. Yes Haliburton hit all the game winners and was the floor general, but Siakam really transformed this team. Before the Siakam trade, the Pacers have missed the playoffs for 3 straight years, and haven't been out of the first round in 10. Then the same season he's traded to Indiana, the Pacers make the ECF. Then the year after that Pacers make the Finals for the second time in NBA-era and lose in 7. Crazy impact.

His playoffs stats in 23-24 were absolutely elite, 21.6/7.5/3.8 on 54% shooting, 24-25 20.5/6.3/3.4 on 51% shooting. I'm absolutely sure that if the Pacers win G7, Siakam gets to the HOF as a guy who played a key role on championship runs of two small franchises.

YogurtProducer · Post #2 » by **YogurtProducer** » Wed Sep 10, 2025 7:51 pm

Ah yes the "player Raptors fans told you was good for years, turned out to actually be good once he was in America" post.

HotelVitale · Post #3 » by **HotelVitale** » Wed Sep 10, 2025 8:50 pm

I've always liked Siakam but you're not making a case for him in this post at all, OP. It's not convincing to say 'he showed up and then they were great' when we all know (as you mentioned) that Haliburton was the general catalyst and when we also saw tons of guys step up in different ways. And 20/6/3 is not 'absolutely elite' stats.

It would help if you gave us something to start with, some basic argument for why Siakam deserves more credit than he generally gets, or a couple reasons that he was what really elevated Indy.

And again I'm saying this as someone who appreciates Siakam and is inclined to agree he had a decent role in the Pacers' success.

Bankai · Post #4 » by **Bankai** » Wed Sep 10, 2025 9:10 pm

In an alternate timeline, the Raptors were able to keep Kawhi and the Roster and attempt to run it back to the Finals 2 more times.

Im glad he is shining on the Pacers, Raptors basically gave him away after misusing him. On the Pacers, he is in the role he is suited for.

Post #5 » by **Inigo Montoya** » Wed Sep 10, 2025 9:12 pm

Maxthirty · Post #6 » by **Maxthirty** » Wed Sep 10, 2025 9:17 pm

It wasn’t til he proved it in America that I actually respected him. Good job, Pascal.

Lockdown504090 · Post #7 » by **Lockdown504090** » Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:56 pm

Bankai wrote:In an alternate timeline, the Raptors were able to keep Kawhi and the Roster and attempt to run it back to the Finals 2 more times.

Im glad he is shining on the Pacers, Raptors basically gave him away after misusing him. On the Pacers, he is in the role he is suited for.

seeing how easy the league is about to go on the clippers, the raptors shoulda given him what he asked for. we probably could have kept them healthier than the clippers with our depth.

Bankai · Post #8 » by **Bankai** » Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:06 pm

Lockdown504090 wrote:
Bankai wrote:In an alternate timeline, the Raptors were able to keep Kawhi and the Roster and attempt to run it back to the Finals 2 more times.

Im glad he is shining on the Pacers, Raptors basically gave him away after misusing him. On the Pacers, he is in the role he is suited for.

seeing how easy the league is about to go on the clippers, the raptors shoulda given him what he asked for. we probably could have kept them healthier than the clippers with our depth.

Allegedly, Kawhi (or Uncle Dennis) wanted a stake in MLSE, including the NHL Maple Leafs. I dont think that was a reasonable request.

ryan in Maine · Post #9 » by **ryan in Maine** » Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:12 pm

It's nice to have a versatile, high level player with championship experience. For sure. He can rebound and start the break or get out and finish it. Guards multiple positions competently. Good size and motor. Steps up.

ReggiesKnicks · Post #10 » by **ReggiesKnicks** » Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:15 pm

YogurtProducer wrote:Ah yes the "player Raptors fans told you was good for years, turned out to actually be good once he was in America" post.

Gary Trent Jr would like a word with you

YogurtProducer · Post #11 » by **YogurtProducer** » Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:16 pm

ReggiesKnicks wrote:
YogurtProducer wrote:Ah yes the "player Raptors fans told you was good for years, turned out to actually be good once he was in America" post.

Gary Trent Jr would like a word with you

Funny enough he was the one guy it felt like Raps fans hated :lol:

tcheco · Post #12 » by **tcheco** » Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:37 pm

Yes, yes we can

Lockdown504090 · Post #13 » by **Lockdown504090** » Thu Sep 11, 2025 3:04 pm

Bankai wrote:
Lockdown504090 wrote:
Bankai wrote:In an alternate timeline, the Raptors were able to keep Kawhi and the Roster and attempt to run it back to the Finals 2 more times.

Im glad he is shining on the Pacers, Raptors basically gave him away after misusing him. On the Pacers, he is in the role he is suited for.

seeing how easy the league is about to go on the clippers, the raptors shoulda given him what he asked for. we probably could have kept them healthier than the clippers with our depth.

Allegedly, Kawhi (or Uncle Dennis) wanted a stake in MLSE, including the NHL Maple Leafs. I dont think that was a reasonable request.

id give them a 0.001 share for a 2020 title. I totally understand its against the rules, but if there isnt a real punishment, idgaf, ballmer probably dont if he really did what people say he did.

DelAbbot · Post #14 » by **DelAbbot** » Fri Sep 12, 2025 12:17 am

as a 3rd option on offense, yes

DelAbbot · Post #15 » by **DelAbbot** » Fri Sep 12, 2025 12:19 am

YogurtProducer wrote:
ReggiesKnicks wrote:
YogurtProducer wrote:Ah yes the "player Raptors fans told you was good for years, turned out to actually be good once he was in America" post.

Gary Trent Jr would like a word with you

Funny enough he was the one guy it felt like Raps fans hated

Sure, it definitely wasn't that short chucker oozing with leadership who went to HOU

picc · Post #16 » by **picc** » Fri Sep 12, 2025 12:34 am

He's kind of the evolutionary Lamar Odom.

Post #17 » by **cupcakesnake** » Fri Sep 12, 2025 1:44 am

picc wrote:He's kind of the evolutionary Lamar Odom.

Good comp. Odom's handles stood out more in his era, when there weren't as many dudes that size who could dribble. On the other hand, Siakam is such a better shooter and has much more of a pull up bag. Odom wasn't able to be much of a serious scorer because he lacked a functional pull up. Siakam can knock down some 3s, but he's also deadline inside 16 feet.

Odom was a bit bigger/stronger, while Siakam is a bit more quick twitch.

Post #18 » by **boomershadow** » Fri Sep 12, 2025 1:48 am

Super appreciate getting to watch Siakam on a regular basis.

YogurtProducer · Post #19 » by **YogurtProducer** » Fri Sep 12, 2025 3:11 am

DelAbbot wrote:
YogurtProducer wrote:
ReggiesKnicks wrote:
Gary Trent Jr would like a word with you

Funny enough he was the one guy it felt like Raps fans hated

Sure, it definitely wasn't that short chucker oozing with leadership who went to HOU

Lmao some Raptors fans are such losers. How does FVV live this rent free in your head :lol:

But since you brought him up, FVV is another guy raptor fans hyped up in 2017-2019, got **** on by the general board for it, and ended up being right.

Lowry
OG
Siakam
Powell
FVV

All guys that raptors fans raved about and we got told we didn’t know what we were talking about :lol:

ConSarnit · Post #20 » by **ConSarnit** » Fri Sep 12, 2025 3:35 am

Unfortunately I sort of expect the Siakam appreciation to die down next year.

The Pacers were the absolute ideal team for Siakam to go to.

-high level creator to get Siakam easier shots
-slid back into a more suitable role as a #2
-fast paced team (Siakam was excellent in transition with Lowry)
-got to play with a floor spacing C which opened up Siakam’s drive and post up game

Hali is gone for the year. Turner is gone for forever. Siakam is probably going to be overtasked again and his ideal playing environment/teammates are gone (at least for next year).