A little over halfway into the season, the Indiana Pacers stand alone as the worst team in the Eastern Conference and second-worst in the NBA (only ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans). Despite Indiana's struggles this season without star guard Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam is putting together a fantastic campaign and is putting the team on his back.
Through 43 games, the Cameroon native has averaged 23.8 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.2 steals in 33.8 minutes while shooting 48.4% from the field and 38.6% from deep. He is putting together another All-Star-level season and is playing some of the best basketball of his career.
Unfortunately for the Pacers (or very fortunately, depending on who you ask), Siakam's play has not led to many wins, and it's easy to see why.
Even beyond Haliburton's absence, the Pacers have dealt with numerous injuries to key players, such as Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin (who are both currently sidelined). They also still have a lot of uncertainty at center following Myles Turner's departure in the offseason.
Just about everybody on the team right now is taking on a new role, and it's becoming increasingly clear that they are going through some growing pains. And as it stands, it's fair to assume that this is just how it is going to be for Indiana for the rest of the season, regardless of how well Siakam plays.
Pascal Siakam is carrying the Pacers right now
Amidst all the problems the Pacers are dealing with this season (and it's definitely a long list), there are some silver linings that they and the fans can be happy about. And Siakam's season might be at the top of the list.
A lot was going to be asked of the three-time All-Star to carry the load without Haliburton or Turner, and he has delivered in a big way so far. This season was going to be an opportunity for Siakam to remind the basketball world just how great he is. And to this point, he has done exactly that.
Currently, Siakam leads the Pacers in points, rebounds, steals, and minutes per game. Additionally, he has only missed two games this season (both for rest purposes).
Despite Siakam's play, almost everyone else on the team hasn't really followed suit. Aaron Nesmith has taken a step back this season without Haliburton, Mathurin had been up and down before missing time due to a toe injury, and players like Jarace Walker, Isaiah Jackson, and Ben Sheppard haven't taken a step forward like the team was hoping for.
Regardless, the 31-year-old is going to be a part of Indiana's plans for the foreseeable future. And given that the team should be ready to compete for a title once again as soon as next season, that should be music to the ears of the fanbase.