Pascal Siakam didn’t feel respected enough among the Raptors

Pascal Siakam has found himself in trade rumors in recent months. The least we can say is that he did not appreciate and that he had difficulty accepting that his status did not allow him to be better considered internally. The 2019 NBA champion and 2020 All-Star admits not having been in top form last season and in the bubble, but he would have liked his max contract not to be there just to look pretty.

“To be honest, when I became that person, I got the feeling that there wasn’t a lot of communication. It was a bit like, ‘We gave you a contract, but did are you really THE guy? ‘ This is something that I struggled with.

Kyle was there and he’s a leader, plus the greatest Raptor in history. He always saw himself as the boss. I had the contract, but I never felt I was THE guy. I never really felt like I was the centerpiece. Today, we are starting to have these discussions with the front office, ”Siakam explained in the New York Times.

With the departure of Kyle Lowry to Miami, and if it is not traded, Pascal Siakam will be in the front line and becomes de facto the franchise player of the Raptors. We can only hope that it will not give rise to the same abuses of which he has been the victim in recent months.

“I’m someone who takes pride. I always want to be the best player I can be. I know that wasn’t it in the bubble. I understand people, but it really hurts me when I read things on my father (he died in 2014 in a car accident, editor’s note), like what he would not have been proud of me, etc …

I disconnected from the networks so people told me that. I didn’t want to hear about it, but I know there were racist comments and stuff like that. “

Last season, Pascal Siakam turned at 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists, which is still impressive for ordinary people.

Pascal Siakam, the focus on his future at the Raptors