Interesting evolution in Pascal Siakam’s game, as SportsNet notes. In fact, 17% of the Cameroonian’s offensive possessions this season go through the low post. It may not seem huge, but it’s much more than last year (10.3%) and even a career maximum since he only spent 12.2% of the time there in 2019/20.
The development is all the more interesting since Darko Rajakovic arrived in Toronto with the idea of implementing an attack based on ball movement, cuts and spacing of the game.
But for “Spicy P” it’s not so surprising and, on the contrary, it’s even related. Because in fact, Pascal Siakam’s low post possessions are rarely the Raptors’ first intention. It is after opposing defensive changes that the strong winger often finds himself facing smaller opponents, who can play low post.
“I can dribble and play from the outside, but also from the post, which is special”he explains. “I try to find every way possible to get an advantage on defense. »
Take advantage of matchups
His coach confirms that the Raptors are not specifically looking to serve Pascal Siakam in the low position.
“It’s a natural progression for our team. We don’t force postups, we don’t call systems for postups. But if there is a mismatch (favorable duel for the attacker) on the fast play or if he recognizes that he can attack low post, then we take “ explains Darko Rajakovic.
With his “spin moves”, the 2019 champion is indeed complicated to manage in the low position when he has an advantageous duel. Moreover, he can score but above all take advantage of the two-hander in these situations. Only the low post work of Jayson Tatum is more effective for the team than that of Pascal Siakam (1,172 points generated per action following a postup from the Cameroonian) among all NBA players who have the low post ball more than three times per game.
“I don’t even see the first defender”he even assures. “Obviously I want to beat my player, but I have to think about the defense coming in, and some teams help, some don’t. Sometimes they help and then they don’t help in other parts of the match, so it’s about understanding that and doing the right thing. But the most important thing is that everyone moves too so that I can do a reading.”
