Raptors’ Siakam talks NBA stardom, favourite jersey and more in Reddit AMA

Pascal Siakam steps up to collect his Toronto Raptors championship ring. (Alex D'Addese/Sportsnet)

It’s been an eventful year for Toronto Raptors phenom Pascal Siakam.

Fresh off a championship run and a nod as the Most Improved Player in the association, Siakam’s taken his game to yet another level in 2019-20, emerging as an NBA superstar in his own right following the departure of Kawhi Leonard over the summer.

With the Raptors faithful eager to hear Siakam’s thoughts on the title run, his new role on the team, and his overall growth as a player, Spicy P gave the fans what they wanted courtesy of an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on NBA Reddit.

Here are the highlights from No. 43’s Reddit reflections:

Q: Does any part of your growth the past few years surprise you? I know many players feel they can always improve, but many players don’t see the jumps that you have seen. Are there any specific aspects of your current game that maybe three years ago you wouldn’t have expected yourself to have?

Siakam: “Nothing really surprises me. The things I’m able to do now, I’ve been working on them for years. Everything that’s happening now is something I’ve been building on and every year I’ve improved.”

Q: You have said you have no goals, so how do you push forward? What motivates you to get better?

Siakam: “I focus on getting better and the present. Not thinking about what I can accomplish, and work on the the things I need to work on — those things will get me there. I focus on working on my craft and the rest will take care of itself.”

Q: What is it like having more responsibilities as a scorer now?

Siakam: “I’m prepared for the moment. Obviously I have a lot to learn but it’s a spot I’m comfortable being in.”

Q: What’s the most meaningful compliment you received from an opposing player over the past year? Who was it?

Siakam: “Guys that come through L.A. in the summer — like Kevin Durant or Paul George always say they respect the work and see the improvement. It means a lot when your peers see your improvement.”

Q: Did growing up in Cameroon provide you with a different perspective of the NBA compared to the other players you know in the league?

Siakam: “To always remember where I came from has allowed me to see things differently in the league.”

Q: How much has your life changed in the last couple of years? I would imagine you’re facing much newer challenges than you were several years ago. Also, do you and other players use reddit?

Siakam: “My life hasn’t changed, it’s been the same. What’s helped me with that is keeping my circle tight, having the people that care about me around me. It’s always felt real and felt the same.”

Q: Which colour combination of any Raptors jersey is your favourite?

Siakam: “The black and gold OVO’s are awesome.”

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