Though teammates for only two seasons, DeMar DeRozan was able to notice the commendable work ethic of Pascal Siakam, who, in their years with the Toronto Raptors, was a young prospect looking to climb up the depth chart.

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps quoted DeRozan in saying the following:

“He was always the first one in the gym… He always came back to the gym at night. He worked on everything he does now.”

DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan’s exit from Toronto in 2018, which was through a blockbuster trade with the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard, opened up the gates for Siakam’s breakout season. It elevated his status from role player to starter and made the most out of his chance by quickly showcasing elite defense and a reliable offensive skillset.

In emerging as one of the biggest surprise players of the 2018-19 season, Siakam compiled 16.9 points (12.6 more than his previous campaign), 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on an efficient 54.9% shooting. His 3.6 rating for defensive win shares was also tied for 18th overall in the league.

By season’s end, the Cameroonian has earned a pair of rightfully earned rewards – he played a key part in the Raptors’ championship run and also became a runaway winner of the Most Improved Player of the Year award.

Now officially an All-Star, and a top vote-getter at that, Siakam is inching closer to his ultimate ceiling, and he’s loving the game more than ever. Here’s what he shared in that recent ESPN feature:

“I love the fact that I cannot be able to do something and I can put in a lot of hours doing it and I can become good at it… It feels good. It feels so great, and I enjoy that. So I want that feeling.”

Pascal Siakam

“I love the feeling that I get on the court and I take two dribbles and I turn around and make the shot and the defender is like, ‘F— no,’ and I’m making it.”

Pascal Siakam

It’s exciting to watch and anticipate how far the long-armed, two-way, 25-year-old will develop in the years to come. He has been tasked to increase his workload and production every year, and he’s continued to answer the call, so much so that he is now the Raptors’ leading scorer at 23.7 points and top three in rebounds (7.5) and threes (2.2) per game.

Also, the Raptors have appeared to be more than fine following the departure of Kawhi, and Siakam’s constant progress has helped build the belief that Toronto has enough to stay as a real championship contender.