Pascal Siakam has seen a major surge as a three-point shooter since joining the Indiana Pacers. As the team looks to remain competitive next season and make some noise in the Eastern Conference, they need this to continue, especially with Siakam likely becoming an even bigger part of their offense.
The Pacers acquired Siakam from the Toronto Raptors during the 2023-24 season in hopes that it would elevate them to contender status. So far, that is exactly what happened as Indiana is fresh off their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, largely thanks to the Cameroon native.
It was never a doubt that Siakam would be a great addition for the Pacers, but exactly how he is making an impact is a bit surprising.
Prior to joining the Pacers, Siakam was a career 32.7% shooter from beyond the arc, with his best showing being the 2018-19 season, when he shot 36.9% from behind the line on 2.7 attempts per game. While he was not a horrible three-point shooter in Toronto (at least by the end of his run there) he was far from a lights-out sharpshooter. However, in Indiana, he has greatly improved in this area.
Last season, the one-time NBA champion shot a career-high 38.9% from three-point land on 4.2 attempts. And, during his 41-game run with the Pacers during the 2023-24 season, he shot 38.6% from beyond the arc on 2.5 attempts.
As Indiana looks to shock the basketball world again next season and potentially make a playoff run, it will need Siakam to be the best version of himself. In order for him to do that, it is crucial that his three-ball stays effective and efficient, especially now that he is expected to take on a bigger offensive role with the team.
Pascal Siakam is going to be crucial to the Pacers' success
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the year and Myles Turner now a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Pacers are going to need Siakam to step up even more in order for them to stay afloat and potentially be competitive once again.
Siakam is far from Indiana's only important player next season, but it is fair to say that he is going to be at the top of the list.
The three-time All-Star is the Pacers' most consistent player, and this was especially evident during the playoffs, particularly during the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals. Furthermore, he impacts the game in every area. He is going to have his number called a lot more next season, and how he plays will determine exactly how successful Indiana is going to be.
Even though it's unlikely, the Pacers have not given fans any reason to believe they won't attempt to go on another deep playoff run and make some noise in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Many expect the Pacers to take a step back next season, which is fair (and pretty much inevitable), but some are also calling for them to tank, which is not the right move. The Pacers are too good a team to be near the bottom of the standings, and they would likely benefit more from at least trying to put their best foot forward and make an impact. For them to do so, however, they need Siakam to bring his A-game, and if his stint with the team is any indication, he should be able to do exactly that.