Analysis | The Raptors need Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet to lead in the playoffs. They’ve done it before


In the final, dramatic quarter of a memorable run to an NBA championship, the Raptors went away from form.

On a team anchored by the singular talents of Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, it was the unheralded duo of young Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam that coach Nick Nurse turned to, putting them in a two-man game that flummoxed the Golden State Warriors enough that the Raptors capped a delightful season with the first title in franchise history.

The roles of VanVleet and Siakam have changed dramatically since that June 2019 night — they are now Toronto’s best and most important players — but they remain the duo that could very well lead the Raptors to a series win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Those lessons learned back then and the first-hand knowledge that they can perform under the most dire and pressure-packed circumstances imaginable should stand them in good stead in the first-round series that starts Saturday evening in Philadelphia.

Outside of 15-year veteran Thad Young, VanVleet and Siakam have by far the most post-season experience of anyone on the roster. And among the 48 playoff games VanVleet’s been in and the 47 Siakam has played, their championship pedigree puts them atop the Raptors list.

“We’re going to try to use that experience as much as we can, but we don’t know what to expect. Like, things are going to be different,” Siakam said, “and we’ve just got to go out there with a clear mind.”

It’s hard to imagine two more different yet effective leaders for a young team than VanVleet and Siakam, who broke into the NBA together in 2016.

VanVleet, the point guard, is the vocal leader, a get-in-your-face teammate who commands respect for his abilities and willingness to call out teammates while taking responsibility for his own failings.

Siakam, the star forward, is more outwardly emotional but inwardly quiet, and his ascension this season into a major leadership role has been significant and important. He’s always going to be more supportive than critical, but his leadership of him by example ca n’t be denied.

“Kyle (Lowry) was such a big part of what we had in terms of leadership. There was definitely spots for someone to have a little bit of voice,” Siakam said. “Obviously, Fred took that role and he’s been a super-vocal leader for us, but I try to find my spots and find ways where I can get my two cents in, and hopefully they can listen to me.”

Minus Kawhi Leonard, left, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet will lead the Raptors into the post-season starting Saturday night in Philadelphia.

Siakam’s lead-by-example role may take on added significance in a playoff series that should be, if history holds, far more physical than the regular season. He’s been willing and able to play through contact all season without overreacting, and the hits are going to keep coming.

“He’s our best player, he’s our leading scorer and he doesn’t get a great whistle during the regular season and … it’s a great position to be in,” said VanVleet, “because you’re seeing the attack on the rim and physicality that it takes to play through contact and finish.

“That’s something I’ve watched Pascal get better and develop at, and something that’s really helped his game this year. So I think it’s a great message for the other guys: If our best player is not getting any whistles, you better not be expecting them, either.”

For VanVleet, health is an issue. He’s been bothered by a sore knee since just before the February all-star break, sat out the last three games of the regular season and hasn’t played since April 5. That’s fine with him.

“We ended up doing what we thought we could do, which was getting a top-six, getting a little bit of rest, getting some time off, getting some time to work out, get back in shape, get my timing back,” he said. “I’ve had a pretty good week of work. I’m getting ready for this series. It could go really good or really bad. I’m optimistic about it. I feel good.”

If VanVleet and Siakam can be successful in pick-and-roll action, either drawing Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid away from the basket or allowing Siakam to attack a smaller defender, Toronto’s half-court offense will succeed. It’s the same kind of play they’ve been running for years in difficult games, and Siakam’s ability to use him as a passer makes him even more dangerous.

It opens up shots and space for the likes of Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes, who have all thrived at times this season.

“It’s just me playing the game like I always do, adjusting,” Siakam said. “(It’s) just me reading the game and continuing to play through the flow of the game.

“I think coach also kind of likes to see those things in the game and make adjustments, and Fred is also really good at that. (It’s) just about communication, and continue to play and make adjustments as they come.”

Like they have for years.

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