Turns out Pascal Siakam will be headed to the NBA All-Star Game after all.
The Toronto Raptors forward is one of three players expected to be named All-Star reserve replacements. He will join Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings at the showcase in Salt Lake City.
Siakam will participate in his second All-Star Game after being voted a starter in 2020.
> Minnesota's Anthony Edwards, Toronto's Pascal Siakam and Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox are expected to be named the three All-Star reserve replacements for Feb. 19 game in Salt Lake City, sources tell ESPN.
> > — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2023
Siakam said he was “not thinking about that” when asked about the potential of his All-Star addition earlier this week.
“I think all-star is kind of gone in my head right now,” Siakam said. “It would be great (to have the week off). It would be awesome to be somewhere nice, warm. I’m sure I would enjoy it.”
Fans weren’t pleased with Siakam’s initial snub.
The 28-year-old is having one of his best seasons to date, averaging 25.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting 47.5% through just over half of the campaign. He currently ranks inside the top-20 in scoring and assists, and is the only player in the Eastern Conference averaging at least 25.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.
> Pascal Siakam is the first player in NBA history to average 25+ PTS, 8+ REB and 6+ AST to miss the All-Star Game
> > — Pascal Propaganda (@PascalFanClub) February 3, 2023
Siakam won’t be Toronto’s lone representative. Scottie Barnes is taking part in the Rising Stars Challenge. Former Raptors and current Chicago Bulls guard Demar DeRozan is heading to Utah as a reserve player selected by NBA coaches as well.
The Utah Jazz host the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 19, one day after the Skills Competition on Saturday, February 18. The Celebrity Game is on Friday, February 17, as is the Rising Stars Game.
Title: Raptors' Pascal Siakam to be named All-Star reserve replacement
Sourced From: dailyhive.com/vancouver/raptors-siakam-named-all-star-reserve-replacement
Published Date: 02-11-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Toronto Raptors called Raptors
The NBA's expansion into Canada in 1995 saw the founding of Toronto Raptors. The name and logo of the team were inspired by Jurassic Park's film. The team colors include bright red and purple as well as black and silver.
In the first season of Raptors basketball, the team struggled to find their footing in the league and finished with a 21-61 record. They improved every year, and in 1999 they were ready to make their first playoff appearance.
The Raptors most memorable moment was 2019 when they captured their first NBA championship title. Toronto's first title was won by Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry, their backcourt duo. They defeated the Golden State Warriors in six thrilling games.
Since then, Canada's most loved sports team, the Raptors, have been an institution. Toronto continues to provide excitement to basketball fans worldwide, whether they are international superstars or homegrown talent.
Canada's proud heritage is represented by the Toronto Raptors. Their success on the courts inspires young basketball players all over the country. The Raptors are a beloved team in Canada thanks to their passion, unmatched style of play and dedication to excellence.
How was the Toronto Raptors' inaugural year of existence?
The first season of the NBA for Toronto Raptors was difficult. Brendan Malone was hired as the head coach and Isiah THOMAS became GM. In 1995, the Raptors were established. Many talented players were drafted and traded for. They beat the Chicago Bulls once, but overall finished with a 21 - 61 win-loss record.
Toronto drafted Marcus Camby (Rookie of The Year) in 1996. Camby joined the Toronto starting line-up along with Alvin Williams at guard. Later in 1997, Damon Stoudamire was traded away, and more changes to the roster were made over the following years as Toronto looked to build a foundation for future successes.
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.
What does "We The North” mean?
The phrase "We The North," also known as We The North Nation, is an anthem used by the Toronto Raptors. It was composed by Drake, producer Noah "40", Shebib.
Drake composed the song while he was staying in Toronto with a friend. Drake finished his album Take care with Kanye West. Drake wrote lyrics about his hometown while he was there. He wanted it to be something that could represent all Canadians. It 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 writing the lyrics to the song, but 40 came up with the chorus. Drake was inspired by the hook and asked for permission to record it. They collaborated to create the final product.
The official music video to "We The North Anthem", was released October 5, 2018. It featured Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes performing along with Drake and other musicians.
Who are the top five Raptor per-game scorers?
Kawhi Leonard is the highest scorer on the team with 26.6 points per game, followed by Vince Carter with 23.4, Mike James with 20.3, Chris Bosh with 20.2, and DeMar DeRozan with 19.7 points per game, respectively.
What was the Raptors best year?
The 2019 championship season was the Toronto Raptors' greatest year. The Raptors won the NBA Championship for the first time in their history. It was an exciting and memorable season. Kawhi Leonard was named Finals' MVP and the team had a regular season record of 58-24. They beat the Golden State Warriors six times to win the title.
In 2013, the Toronto Raptors changed their front office, replacing then-general manager Bryan Colangelo with Masai Ujiri. This move would signal a new era for the franchise that would see them become one of the best teams in the NBA.
The Raptors experienced a revival under Ujiri. They reached the playoffs for the first-time since 2008, and were back in the top five Divisions. The Raptors have won five Division titles, and they had their most successful regular-season in 2018. Ujiri made a risky trade for Kawhi Leonard that resulted in DeMar DeRozan being traded to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Raptors had a great year in 2019, winning their first conference title and making it to the NBA Finals for the first time. They defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games.
Ujiri's tenure as a Raptors player has been a huge success and should be recognized for changing the Raptors' fortunes. The Raptors are one of the top teams in the NBA thanks to his leadership and appear poised to remain contenders for many more years.
The 2019 Raptors championship season will always be remembered as one among the best in their history.
Ujiri, and all of the Toronto Raptors should continue to work towards creating a winning culture for their players and staff. The future of this team looks bright with their dedication to excellence. The Toronto Raptors' 2019 championship season was a milestone. It is up to Ujiri, his team and their continued success to improve on this achievement.
Statistics
- By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
- After Thomas attempted to execute a letter of intent with Slaight to purchase the team failed, he resigned from his position in November and sold his 9 percent stake in the team to Slaight. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (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)
External Links
basketball-reference.com
sportingnews.com/ca
bleacherreport.com
- Raptors News: Toronto unveils St. Patrick's Day Jerseys
jerseymuseum.org
How To
How to get from your location to the Toronto Raptors' game
Toronto Raptors events take place at Air Canada Centre, (ACC), downtown Toronto, Ontario Canada. TTC subways can be used to get to ACC. Union Station is approximately 30 minutes away from ACC. Bay Street station is the nearest stop to ACC.
Bay street station should be used if Union Station is your destination. Follow the signs towards ACC. If you arrive at ACC via another direction, please take the signs to Bay Street station.
From Bay Street station, follow the signs to the ACC.
The venue is accessible to those with disabilities. Accessible seating is available for wheelchair users. Sign language interpretation services are also offered by the ACC.
There is no parking fee at the ACC. Parking is not available on the streets nearby.
