Pascal Siakam shrugs off dismissive comment from Tracy McGrady, says he is 'just blessed to be here'
So, the morning after the Raptors' energetic big man led Toronto to victory in Game 3 of its playoff series against Orlando, Siakam spoke thoughtfully of the people whose opinions he actually does care about.
But Siakam knows who is watching him. And every chest-flexing, roaring celebration of a big block, every megawatt smile after a three-point shot falls is for them. On a night Raptors star Kawhi Leonard was feeling under the weather, Siakam had 30 points and 11 rebounds in a 98-93 win that put the Raptors up 2-1 in the series. He's averaging 24.3 points and 10 boards a game in the playoffs.
The fact he's become the second option behind Leonard says everything about Siakam's improbable story. His improvement has happened at warp speed.The 25-year-old Siakam has only played organized basketball for seven years, the same number of years the Orlando Magic had gone without making the playoffs. That fact had teammate Danny Green looking incredulous Friday night.
Siakam was sent down to the team's G-League affiliate Raptors 905 almost immediately, calling those early days some of the most difficult of his life. He went on to earn MVP of the G-League finals.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Raptors' Siakam doesn't care about McGrady's comments - Sportsnet.ca'I’m just blessed to be here, happy that I’m in this position, and people from where I’m from can look at me and hopefully dream that they can be here one day.'
Read more »
Pascal Siakam is a rising star for Toronto Raptors — and Orlando is taking noticeThe 25-year-old Cameroonian is averaging more playing time than all other players in this NBA post-season, except for Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder
Read more »
Pascal Siakam leads Raptors to Game 3 win over Magic, lead series 2-1 - Sportsnet.caPascal Siakam finished with a playoff career-high in points and the Toronto Raptors beat the Orlando Magic 98-93 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round series.
Read more »
Pascal Siakam carries Toronto Raptors to Game 3 win over Magic 98-93Pascal Siakam carries Toronto Raptors to Game 3 win over Magic 98-93 Globe_Sports
Read more »
Siakam unaware, unfazed by McGrady's comments, focused on helping the team winAfter Trady McGrady said last month that Pascal Siakam hasn't improved, he's just playing more, Siakam says he never heard the comments but isn't worried about them, and explains that he's focused on helping the team win and continuing to be an inspiration to the kids who look up to him in his home country.
Read more »
Rising stardom will present Raptors’ Siakam with new challenges - Sportsnet.caTrading for Leonard signalled the Raptors' championship aspirations, but it's Siakam's rise to stardom that can guide them there -- as long as he can meet the changes and challenges that come along with it.
Read more »
Siakam shows why he is one of the most improved playersPascal Siakam led the Raptors with 30 points in Toronto's win over Orlando in Game 3. Josh Lewenberg and Kate Bierness take a closer look at his game, Kyle Lowry's end of game heroics, and Kawhi Leonard's battle through illness.
Read more »
Rival Watch: What U.S. media is saying about Raptors' Siakam - Sportsnet.caHere's a look at what those covering the Raptors-Magic series outside of Canada had to say in the wake of Pascal Siakam's 30-point, 11-rebound masterpiece.
Read more »
Siakam laughs off question about lack of calls for Raptors: 'No comment, man'Raptors forward Pascal Siakam refuses to take the bait when asked about the lack of calls the Raptors received in Game 3, while Nick Nurse explains how proud he is of Serge Ibaka for stepping up with the team in early four trouble, and why he's hopeful that the officiating will eventually even out.
Read more »
Siakam starring on big stage for Raptors - TSN.caSlowly, certain factions of the basketball community are starting to figure out what others, including Raptors fans, have witnessed firsthand this season: Pascal Siakam isn’t just the NBA’s most improved player, but he’s also a budding star, Josh Lewenberg writes.
Read more »
Siakam puts up 30 to lead Raptors over Magic in Game 3 - Sportsnet.caPascal Siakam couldn't be stopped tonight, dropping 30 points to lead the Raptors past the Magic in Game 3. AXECanada || YoureHotterWhenYoureChill
Read more »