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Could Pascal Siakam be the Indiana Pacers next All-Star?
Oct 28, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images|Nathan Ray Seebeck/Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Pascal Siakam’s All-Star level and the Rise of Two-Way Contract Players
Pascal Siakam’s Stellar Season
Pascal Siakam is making a compelling case for an All-Star nod this season. His performance has been nothing short of impressive, with stats that place him among the NBA’s elite. Siakam is currently averaging 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. These numbers align him with a select group of players, including Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LeBron James. Historically, players achieving these stats have a strong chance of being named All-Stars, and Siakam’s current form suggests he could join their ranks.
Siakam’s impact goes beyond numbers. His defensive game has improved significantly, making him a more complete player. His ability to hit crucial shots and play a pivotal role in key games, like the Pacers win over the Boston Celtics, highlights his importance to the team. Siakam’s consistency and reliability on both ends of the court make him a standout candidate for the All-Star team.
The question remains whether Siakam can maintain this level of performance throughout the season. His passing and rebounding are likely to remain steady, given his track record. However, his scoring might fluctuate due to a decrease in shot attempts and an unusually high three-point shooting percentage. Despite these potential challenges, Siakam’s overall game suggests he has a strong chance of earning his third All-Star selection.
The Impact of Two-Way Players
The Indiana Pacers have seen significant contributions from their two-way players, Quenton Jackson and Enrique Freeman. These players have stepped up in crucial moments, providing valuable support without relying heavily on scoring. Jackson’s defensive prowess has been evident in matchups against top players like Jalen Brunson and LaMelo Ball. His ability to adapt and perform in various roles has been a pleasant surprise for the team.
Freeman, known for his hustle and energy, has also made a mark. His rebounding and defensive efforts have been crucial, especially given the Pacers injury struggles. Freeman’s ability to contribute without needing the ball highlights his value to the team. Both Jackson and Freeman have shown that two-way players can make a significant impact, even in limited roles.
Their performances underscore the importance of having versatile players who can step in and contribute when needed. As the Pacers navigate injuries and roster changes, the contributions of Jackson and Freeman will be vital in maintaining the team’s competitiveness.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Pascal Siakam’s All-Star potential and the rise of two-way players, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
- The significance of the Pacers upcoming game against the Orlando Magic
- Analysis of the Pacers recent performances and key takeaways
- Discussion on the impact of injuries on the Pacers lineup and strategy
Klay Thompson’s homecoming to The Bay started well before he hit the floor last night at Oracle with the Mavs and roughly 19,000 fans started waving nautical Captain hats.
It started mid-way through last season, when Golden State didn’t signal they’d immediately be resigning Thompson as the franchise had, up to then, always been in a hurry to. There were shades of it along with Thompson’s frustrations in his game changing, the splashy shots not falling as fluidly as they used to. Clues came in the way the Warriors felt their frustrations as a team: once together, a cohesive unit, and then splintering and individually.
“Even from July, when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being here, it was kind of like a slow build to this night for everybody,” Warriors point guard, Steph Curry, said after last night’s game.
Basketball isn’t played in a vacuum, and Curry sharing the psychic and emotional timeline of the team underscores that in a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes its brightest full-circle moments have to struggle through discomfort, angst and loss in order to come back around. Often, the storylines with the most ups and downs are the ones that end the most cathartically.
Since this season began, Thompson’s been candid about how necessary the move to Dallas was for him. “Every pro athlete’s human, and uncertainty can bear on you,” he told ESPN prior to Tuesday night’s homecoming game.
“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental [state] and my career,” Thompson said.
It’s a knife’s edge between animosity for an athlete’s who’s left a franchise they share a storied history with and sympathy for their decision. What tips fans to one side or the other can skew personal, so isn’t always easy to predict, but Thompson’s tendency toward honesty helps. He’s always been someone who wears what he’s feeling on the floor openly, and for that fans — for the most part — respond with empathy. There’s a sense that through all the years he played for the Warriors there was an open conduit of conversation between him and the fanbase.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Legacy Klay Thompson feels “free” after his late-career move to Dallas. (ESPN)
Watch Keep an eye on this former top draft pick as he continues to dominate for the Mad Ants. His performance is turning heads. (SI)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways From Tuesday - Robert Williams Day
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. |Photo by Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA games offered a wealth of insights for fantasy basketball managers. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and strategic moves you should consider:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Grant Williams: With his move to the starting lineup, Williams is a viable short-term pickup, especially while the Hornets deal with injuries. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid addition in deeper leagues.
- Moussa Diabate: Diabate’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt injuries. He’s a strong option for those in need of rebounds in deeper formats.
- Franz Wagner: Wagner’s performance underscores his value, particularly with Paolo Banchero out. Consider selling high if you can get a top-tier player in return, as his current production may dip once Banchero returns.
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro: After a 40-point explosion, Herro is a prime sell-high candidate. His shooting percentages are unlikely to sustain, so capitalise on his current form to bolster your roster.
- Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey: Both players showed their potential to fill the stat sheet. Cunningham remains a must-start, while Ivey’s bounce-back game suggests he’s worth holding onto for his upside.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Can Pascal Siakam be an All-Star? Pascal Siakam’s stats suggest he could be an All-Star this year. Will he? And why the Pacers two-way contract players have been so important the last week or so.
10 games of the 2024-25 Indiana Pacers Former Miller Time Podcast host Dave Searle stops by to discuss the highs and lows of the Pacers first 10 games, including Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin, and more.
Pacers take down New York Knicks to get to .500 Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathrin carried the Pacers past the Knicks, and the Pacers are now .500 again. Those two, as well as Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam, secured a crucial win.
