76ers Coach Nick Nurse Reflects on Pascal Siakam’s Journey as Indiana Pacers Shine with New Star…
Last month, the Indiana Pacers welcomed Pascal Siakam, and he has seamlessly integrated into the team, impressing with his performance. Siakam, a two-time All-NBA forward, has averaged 21.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in his first 10 appearances with the Pacers. The Pacers acknowledge Siakam’s remarkable path, evolving from a G League rookie to a pivotal player on an NBA Championship team.
Nick Nurse, the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, shared his admiration for Siakam’s development. Nurse, who oversaw Siakam’s growth during five of his 7.5 seasons with the Toronto Raptors, commended the Cameroonian forward’s energy, speed, and love for the game. Nurse, who was an assistant when Siakam was drafted, highlighted Siakam’s impact on transition plays and stellar defense during his rookie season.
Siakam’s scoring significantly improved under Nurse, contributing to Toronto’s championship victory in his first season. Nurse recalled Siakam’s early struggles, noting that he desired G League opportunities to enhance his skills. Siakam’s dedication in the G League, where he averaged over 18 points per game and helped secure the title, showcased his relentless work ethic.
According to Nurse, Siakam’s commitment to improvement was evident in refining his shooting, leading to a notable increase in three-pointers made. Nurse expressed satisfaction in witnessing Siakam’s growth and success, emphasizing the positive impact on several former Raptors players thriving in new environments.
Despite Siakam’s impressive triple-double in a recent game against the 76ers, the Pacers secured a crucial victory. The Pacers and 76ers won’t meet again this season, but Nurse anticipates future matchups, acknowledging the reciprocal influence between him and Siakam in shaping their respective journeys in the NBA.
Pacers Reportedly Eyeing Trade for Cavaliers’ Isaac Okoro: NBA Deadline Dynamics Unfold…
The Indiana Pacers are reportedly expressing interest in acquiring Cleveland Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro, according to a recent report by Michael Scotto on HoopsHype. Okoro, a quality defensive player with some offensive productivity, is seen as a potential trade target ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday.
Despite Okoro’s valuable skills, the Cavaliers may be facing luxury tax concerns for the next season, which could influence any potential trade involving the 2020 lottery pick, currently earning $8.9 million this season. As the Cavaliers are positioned second in the Eastern Conference standings, their motivation for trades appears to be improving their roster.
Among the teams eyeing Okoro, the Indiana Pacers stand out, having previously made significant moves such as acquiring Pascal Siakam earlier in the season. According to Scotto, the Knicks, Hawks, Pacers, Suns, and Bucks are all teams with reported interest in adding a two-way wing, making them potential players to watch as the trade deadline approaches.
Okoro, selected fifth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, aligns well with the age range of contributors like Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, and Jalen Smith on the Pacers’ roster. Known for his excellent perimeter defense, Okoro would complement the Pacers’ recent defensive improvements, particularly with the Siakam-Nesmith pairing.
However, executing a trade poses challenges, especially in terms of matching salaries. Finding a deal that makes sense for both the Cavaliers and the Pacers becomes more complex, and the involvement of a third team or additional players from Cleveland may be necessary for a feasible trade.
Okoro’s current season statistics include averages of 8.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 49.2% from the field and over 37% from beyond the arc. Despite his promising skill set, the trade deadline looms, and it remains to be seen if the Pacers can successfully secure Okoro’s services to bolster their roster for the remainder of the season.
Leave a Reply