If the Indiana Pacers want to win a championship with Tyrese Haliburton at the helm, they need Pascal Siakam to take on a couple of different roles: Karl-Anthony Towns and Stephon Castle. The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs both made it to the NBA Finals this year, and those two secondary stars have taken on crucial roles. Siakam needs to mimic both.
In the case of KAT, the Knicks have had him take on a ton of additional playmaking opportunities. It’s helped lift up New York’s offense alongside Jalen Brunson. As for Castle, his two-way play has been essential, acting as a top scorer for the Spurs while also taking on big-time defensive assignments (like Brunson).
Siakam needs to do a little bit of both of those things if the Pacers want to make the championship (and win it) next season.
Siakam needs to replicate KAT and Castle
When the Pacers made the Finals in 2025, Siakam was a crucial piece for them (obviously). And this season, we’re getting a clear look at what Siakam needs to do moving forward.
KAT’s playmaking has been essential to the Knicks’ offense this postseason. He hasn’t been a super consistent scorer for them, going quiet at times, but his passing has been awesome.
OG Anunoby has stepped up as the secondary scorer for New York, but KAT’s passing and ability to act as a playmaking hub changed a lot of the team’s dynamics.
Meanwhile, Castle’s scoring has also wavered at times. He’s been a solid driver for them, generating paint touches and getting to the free-throw line, but he hasn’t always been super efficient.
That said, his defensive pressure has been amazing. He’s guarded Brunson for a lot of this series, and his defense on guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jared McCain earlier in the playoffs was essential.
Siakam needs to be a big-time passer for the Pacers. Haliburton will be the primary playmaker, but Siakam needs to help. His short-roll passing and playmaking out of the post will be crucial.
And on the defensive end, he’ll have to guard some of the best wings and forwards in the league. Ivica Zubac can guard bigs, and Aaron Nesmith is a high-level perimeter guy, but Siakam will still have star assignments.
We’ve seen how much KAT and Castle’s roles can help a team progress in the postseason. If the Pacers want to get back to the promised land, they need Siakam to do both.
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