Raptors 2020-21 season predictions: Can they remain competitive?

Pascal Siakam slowly works through struggles

With Siakam entering the first season under his four-year, $130-million contract extension, the expectations should hopefully bring out the best in him.

Where Kawhi Leonard’s presence was missed was seeing the way the pressure got to Siakam in the NBA bubble. He saw a major decline in production averaging 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 48.1 per cent from the field and an abysmal 18.9 per cent from three-point range.

What can’t be taken away is that Siakam’s regular season production was stellar considering he went from averaging 19.1 points per game to 23.4 points while still contributing on the defensive side of the court.

His athletic ability gives him an advantage especially with his length and ability to create mismatches. You can bet Nurse will do whatever he can to get Siakam back on track and hopefully with time, he can get there.

Expecting Siakam to flip a switch and be the player we know he can be is tough but considering the investment the team has made in him and how much he’s relied upon, the Raptors will need him to turn things around or they might consider alternative options.