Pascal Siakam Tabbed as Optimal Blazers Trade Target

By Jordan Ketler May 12, 2023 30 mins read 276 Views

Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggests that Portland and Toronto might have things in common.
The Portland Trail Blazers remain at the hub of NBA trade speculation, a result of the ambiguity surrounding their roster and a foggy path forward towards success or a rebuild. Multiple players have been connected to Portland before trade season even begins.

Today Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report outlined possible dream summers for all 30 NBA teams, including the Blazers. He had a handful of potential players heading in and out of Portland in speculative ideal exchanges.

First, and most importantly, Buckley affirmed what a few analysts have been saying: Toronto Raptors forward/center Pascal Siakam remains the best realistically-imaginable target the Blazers could shoot for this summer. Like Portland, Toronto is in flux. If they look to get younger, the veteran frontcourt star may become a lever, acquiring young players and picks.

Buckley writes:

Portland needs a ton of things to make that [building around Damian Lillard] happen, but more than anything, it needs a true co-star for Lillard. Pascal Siakam, who once co-piloted the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 title run with Kawhi Leonard, could be ideal for the gig.

Siakam gets a bit exposed as an offensive focal point, but his skills shine in a secondary role. With Lillard steering the ship and Siakam serving as first mate, Portland could be locked into a playoff spot with non-outlandish dreams of putting together a lengthy postseason run.

But Siakam isn’t the only Portland-based exchange Buckley suggests. Interestingly enough, he has Blazers guard Anfernee Simons as the ideal pickup for the Raptors.

It’s tricky to pin down the dream target for the Toronto Raptors, since it’s unclear whether they’ll use this summer to reset their franchise or strengthen their supporting cast.

Still, with former coach Nick Nurse out and free agency awaiting Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. and Jakob Poeltl, this feels like the right time to at least shift their focus forward. Even if they don’t tear everything down, they could make deals that brighten their long-term outlook around Scottie Barnes.

Adding Anfernee Simons would be a great place to start. The 23-year-old just pumped in 21.1 points and 4.1 assists per night while flashing both an ignitable outside shot (212 triples at a 37.7 percent clip) and explosive hops. His score-first mentality would pair perfectly with Barnes’ skill set, which revolves around defensive versatility and distributing.

Not done yet, Buckley also tabs Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe as the optimal target for the San Antonio Spurs.

So, if the Spurs trade for anything other than draft picks this offseason, they need to find up-and-comers with skyscraping ceilings. That’s the appeal of Shaedon Sharpe, whose game needs polish but keeps highlight reels spinning with his anti-gravity bounce.

“He’s already shown off some high-end hang-time stuff on the “Young Kobe/UNC Vince” level, only he’s more filled out than those guys already,” The Ringer’s Bill Simmons wrote.

If the Portland Trail Blazers make an aggressive move to put more win-now talent around Damian Lillard, the Spurs should elbow their way into a three-team deal that routes Sharpe to the Alamo City.

Assuming Joel Embiid and Giannia Antetokounmpo aren’t available, does Siakam still top your list of potential trade targets?

References:

By: Dave Deckard
Title: Pascal Siakam Tabbed as Optimal Blazers Trade Target
Sourced From: www.blazersedge.com/2023/5/10/23718569/portland-trail-blazers-trades-2023-damian-lillard-pascal-siakam-anfernee-simons-shaedon-sharpe
Published Date: 05-13-2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Toronto Raptors

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) owns the team. MLSE also has the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs as well as the MLS's Toronto FC and CFL's Toronto Argonauts. They also own the AHL's Toronto Marlies and Toronto Rock lacrosse team.

What does "We The North" actually mean?

The Toronto Raptors are known for their anthem, "We The North," also known to as We The North Nation. It was composed by Drake and Noah "40" Shebib.

Drake wrote the song while visiting a Toronto friend. With Kanye West, he finished his album Take Care. Drake decided to make lyrics about his hometown while there. Drake wanted the song to represent all Canadians. The song is about unity. Pride. Hope.

Drake began working on the melody to We The North in London, when he was filming the video for "Nice For What". The instrumental version of the song was recorded in one take.

Drake was working on the lyrics, and 40 came up the chorus. Drake was inspired by the hook and asked for permission to record it. Together, they worked to create the final product.

The official music video for "We The North Anthem," was released on October 5, 2018. It featured Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes performing along with Drake and other musicians.

What is the name the Toronto Raptors' official mascot?

The Toronto Raptors were founded in 1995 as an NBA team. They play at Scotiabank Arena.

Raptor is the Raptors' mascot. He is a giant, red dinosaur. Raptor was introduced in 1995 and appears at home games, entertaining fans with his acrobatics and slam dunks. He makes regular appearances in Toronto to support community projects and charities. In 2019, he received the NBA Mascot of the Year award for his many years of service to the Raptors organization. Raptor is an iconic figure in Toronto and the NBA. He is one of the most well-known mascots in professional sport. He is also an internationally recognized symbol of Canada’s basketball fandom.

Many people in the country and city share Raptor’s passion for his team, and its fans. Raptor was the Raptors' most prominent leader and they won their first NBA championship in 2019. This was a historic moment for Canadian basketball fans. Raptor remains a major source for pride for those who are Raptors fans. As long as he is around, there will be plenty Raptors pride. Long live the Raptor. Go, Toronto Raptors!

How was the Toronto Raptors' inaugural year of existence?

It was difficult for the Toronto Raptors to make it in the NBA's first season. Brendan Malone was appointed head coach by Isiah Tom, and they soon acquired many talented players via trades and in the draft. They defeated the mighty Chicago Bulls once that season, but overall they finished with a 21-61 win-loss record.

Toronto drafted Marcus Camby as Rookie-of-the Year in 1996. Camby was also part of the starting team with Alvin Williams at the point guard. Damon Stoudamire left Toronto in 1997. More roster changes were made as Toronto sought to create a foundation for future success.

Despite all its changes, the team continues to struggle in its first few NBA seasons. Toronto finally made it to the playoffs in 2000 after a period for rebuilding and transition. Unfortunately, the New York Knicks won the series.

Why is Toronto Raptors called Raptors

In 1995, the NBA expanded into Canada and created the Toronto Raptors. The logo and name of the team are based on Jurassic Park, which was released in 1995. The team colors include bright red and purple as well as black and silver.

The Raptors' first season of basketball was a struggle. They finished the season with a record of 21-61. But the team improved each season and was able to reach the playoffs by 1999.

The Raptors' most memorable moment was in 2019, when they won the NBA championship title. Toronto won their first title in thrilling six-game series against Golden State Warriors under the leadership of Kawhi and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors' backcourt duo.

The Raptors have been a beloved team in Canada since then. Toronto continues to provide excitement to basketball fans worldwide, whether they are international superstars or homegrown talent.

Canada's basketball heritage is proudly represented by the Toronto Raptors. Young athletes are inspired by their success on the court. The Raptors are a beloved team in Canada thanks to their passion, unmatched style of play and dedication to excellence.

How many NBA teams are there in Canada?

The Toronto Raptors were the Canadian NBA's only team in 2001. The Vancouver Grizzlies, a former NBA team, moved to Memphis in 2001 and became the Memphis Grizzlies. Canada did have the Vancouver Grizzlies (and the Toronto Raptors) for a time, but there are no NBA teams in Canada. Canadians still love basketball and make trips to the United States to see the games. The Toronto Raptors, a team known for its fame since 1995, continue to attract large crowds at Scotiabank Arena. Hundreds of Canadians also travel annually to attend the NBA All-Star Weekend in the United States. With a population of over 38 million, Canada can have more than one NBA team. Many basketball fans in North America have discussed and debated its potential for a second team. The Toronto Raptors continue to be the only Canadian representation within the NBA.

Canadian Elite Basketball League is a Canadian professional basketball league. Six teams are represented in this league, which includes the Fraser Valley Bandits (Abbotsford BC), Edmonton Stingers, Edmonton, Alberta, Guelph Nighthawks, Guelph Nighthawks, Guelph (Ontario), Hamilton Honey Badgers, Hamilton, Ontario, Saskatchewan Rattlers, Saskatoon (Saskatoon), Saskatchewan, and Niagara River Lions, St. Catharines (Ontario). The CEBL is the only professional basketball league operating in Canada currently.

The National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC), a professional men's basketball team, was in existence from 2011 through 2020. It included eight teams from Halifax and Moncton. Saint John. Cape Breton. Summerside. London. Windsor. Kitchener. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of operations at the NBLC in 2020.

Canada also has junior basketball leagues, such as the Canadian National Basketball League (CNB), a semi-professional men's league based in Vancouver, BC. The CNB features teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Another Canadian junior basketball league (CEDL), which mainly features teams from the Greater Toronto Area, is the Canadian Elite Development League (CEDL). AC) as well as the Canadian Youth Basketball League. These leagues offer opportunities for young players to practice their skills in a supportive environment.

Statistics

This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (en.wikipedia.org)