In the 2016 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors had 2 first round picks, and used the 27th overall selection to take Siakam. Siakam got a few letters, no big college programs, but New Mexico impressed him. I was going to Toronto.

The All-Star guard, who had 12 points and dished out 10 assists, insisted: "He's the most improved basketball player in the NBA this year and he's only going to get better.

It’s a struggle, and it requires the ability to dedicate your entire life for a dream.

Growing up in Cameroon, Pascal Siakam was never interested in basketball. Siakam then attended numerous workouts with NBA teams, but the Raptors one was different. I know my dad is watching.”, Tags: Luol DengPascal SiakamSerge IbakaToronto Raptors, Disney Is Producing ‘Greek Freak’ Movie Based On True Life Story Of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bill Simmons Backs Giannis Joining The Mavericks With Luka Doncic: “Winning Four To Five Titles”, Dwight Howard Fires Back Trying To Clear His Name After His Son Claimed He’s A Deadbeat Dad, Toronto Raptor Terence Davis Was Arrested, Charged With Assaulting Of A Woman, Criminal Mischief, Kevin Durant Lashes Out At More Haters Disregarding His Warriors Rings, Derrick Rose Lied To The World, But Will Never Pay The Price, Kevin Durant Signing With Golden State Would Hurt The Warriors.

Under new coach Nick Nurse, in 2018, Pascal was unleashed. It was understandable, Siakam hardly watched the NBA growing up, but as he learned more about Deng and Ibaka, he started to look up to them. Already the Raptors' leader in minutes played this year, he was able to step up for his team, with All-Star Kawhi Leonard contributing a subdued 16 points after "not feeling that well". And Siakam, who is the second Raptor after Chris Bosh in 2008 to put up the same numbers in a play-off game, is getting even more efficient in the post-season, with an average of 24.3 points per game. All of a sudden, the fun aspect of the basketball camp was done, it was all about trying to make this new dream come true, Siakam wanted to play in the NBA. All-Star Kyrie Irving helped the Celtics close it out by scoring 11 of their final 16 points, while Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 23 as the visitors held the home team, who were paced by Tyreke Evans' 19, to under 100 points for the third time. nickstdenis 7 April 2020 2 min read. In just his third year in the league, Siakam had a post-season career high of 30 points to lead all scorers in their 98-93 win at the Orlando Magic on Friday. His personality is just to go play and have fun.".

In his first two years, Siakam struggled to find consistent minutes in a crowded front-court, and on a team with a loaded bench. My brothers and I huddled together, smiling through our tears.

The summer of 2012 was a life changing one for the 6”9’ power forward.

After again demonstrating why he is the front-runner to pick up the Most Improved Player accolade, teammate Kyle Lowry hailed him as "unbelievable". That's why I'm here, and the Most Improved Player (award) will show that. I'm just happy I'm here, and a lot of African kids can look up to me and know that it's possible. His true shooting percentage fell from 62.8 to …

The Pascal Siakam Story. Elsewhere, All-Star Russell Westbrook scored 33 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 to take Game 3 of their Western Conference series, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Now he’s living out the follow-up year as well. Mirroring his rise has been his status as a mere benchwarmer to a "focal point" for the Toronto Raptors. A cursory glance at Siakam's statistics, however, reveals that he still has room for improvement.

From that moment on, Siakam has grown into an important rotation player for the high flying Raptors, and is a fan favourite among the Canadian faithful. Every player’s journey to the NBA is a different, it’s usually a path riddled with hard work, trials and tribulations. He led the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament both years with the team, and averaged 20 points and almost 12 rebounds in his second and final college season.