Boasting the third-best record in the NBA and sitting second in the Eastern Conference, it’s looking increasingly likely that the Toronto Raptors might actually have a puncher’s chance at repeating as NBA champions.
It’s a thought that was seemingly unimaginable when the Raptors lost two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and sharpshooter Danny Green during the summer.
Given their current position in the standings — and president Masai Ujiri’s declaration a few weeks ago that the team will “die trying” to win another title — rumours have been circulating about potential additions at the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
But if the club’s leading scorer and soon-to-be all-star starter, Pascal Siakam, had his way, the Raptors — who are on an 11-game win streak with Marc Gasol and Norm Powell sidelined due to injuries — would get better from within.
“The trade deadline is always something that is such a big deal and we’re playing exceptional basketball right now, and we still hope to have everyone back and be at full strength,” Siakam said in an appearance on Tim and Sid Tuesday.
“We just want to continue to win and we’re doing it right now, on a very high level, and hopefully it stays that way.”
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The fourth-year forward — who is averaging a career-high 23.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game — added that he isn’t surprised by the Raptors’ results despite Leonard and Green’s departures and the bevy of injuries they’ve faced this season (Siakam, himself, was out for 11 games with a groin injury before coming back on Jan. 12).
At different junctures, a number of players have stepped up for the Raptors, with Fred VanVleet and Powell both also having career-best years, Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka and Gasol providing their usual high-level play and the bottom of the roster filling holes throughout the lineup.
But once the Raptors return to full health — watch out, says Siakam.
“We had the opportunity with Kawhi and Danny gone — an opportunity for people to step up, have new roles and I think we were all excited at the beginning of the season,” said Siakam.
“But that’s not something I would say I’m surprised about and we just want to continue to get better. We haven’t touched the surface yet, and … with all the injuries, we haven’t had an opportunity to play with everyone and have everyone at the same time. So we just want to continue to work on that, and once we have everyone back, I think the sky’s the limit.”
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