Basketball, She Wrote
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Pascal Siakam's Impact w/ Samson Folk
🕑 Added 2024-01-18 18:39:34 +0000 UTC(My work at Basketball, She Wrote is typically paywalled. This film study, as an in-depth breakdown of how Pascal Siakam will mesh both offensively and defensively with his new team, is available as a free trial for everyone. If you're new here and want to support independent writing about actual basketball, please consider subscribing and/or sharing it around. Alright, on to the words -- in video form -- about the Pacers.)
By: Caitlin Cooper I @C2_Cooper
The Pacers are no longer winging it against wings. Rather, in the immediate wake of attempting to defend yet another All-Star caliber wing (i.e. Lauri Markkanen) with Andrew Nembhard, Buddy Hield, and various other types of makeshift coverages, the Pacers have acquired an All-Star caliber wing-sized wing all their own: Pascal Siakam.
For insights into the intricacies and nuances of Siakam's game, there's no one better to talk to than Samson Folkof Raptors Republic, who is the best person covering the Toronto Raptors -- especially from the perspective of actual basketball. As such, after joining him to discuss the ins-and-outs of the trade from Toronto's perspective, he's agreed to watch film of the Pacers with me, focusing on how Siakam will mesh with his new team and potentially solve what have been some lingering problem areas for Indiana on both ends of the floor this season.
Let's get into it!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introductions
0:47 - Samson's overview of Siakam's evolving usage with the Raptors
3:45 - Let's talk about offense
3:52 - Siakam's ability to initiate plays when opponents face-guard Haliburton
16:30 - Siakam's effectiveness when defended by centers
26:45 - Siakam's best role against trapping defenses
32:00 - Siakam as a post-hub
37:00 - Let's talk about defense
41:39 - Siakam defending elbow/split actions against Giannis Antetokounmpo
45:22 - What about Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, Karl-Anthony Towns, etc.?
51:48 - Siakam as the low-man in a scheme that aims to limit three-point attempts
58:42 - Samson's overall verdict on whether Siakam can be what the Pacers are missing
1:01:47 - Media reaction to the trade in Toronto
1:03:09 - Why Pacers fans should be overjoyed!
1:04:18 - Valuing players over picks
1:09:30 - Final Thoughts
1:13:38 - But wait, there's more: a teaser
Enjoy the video, and if you like my work here at Basketball, She Wrote, you will likely also enjoy Samson's work at Raptors Republic. Maybe, consider subscribing?
Comments
Keith Correll
Outstanding!!! I have one good prediction so far; if Minnesota has the best defense with Gobert, Towns & McDaniel on the frontline, how about Myles, Jalen & Pascal together…. I bet we see it. Thanks for the broadcast. :)
Caitlin Cooper
Thanks, Larry. Yes, I would be overjoyed if Samson agrees to do that with me during the playoffs. The shirts are in the works, hahah.
Larry Getts
Love, love, love, the Off Days Pod idea with you and Samson if (when) the Pacers make the playoffs and Toronto doesn't. And where can I put my order in for a XXL Hot Girls Basketball t-shirt? Keep up the great work, Basketball She Wrote is always time well spent.
Chris Hartman
Very good pod! I get more value out of this subscription than any other! Worth every penny!! Keep up the great work!
Caitlin Cooper
No problem. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Caitlin Cooper
Haha, yes. He was actually housesitting. The cat belongs to Blake Murphy, but clearly has an affinity for Samson.
Caitlin Cooper
Glad you enjoyed
Brandon Young
Great video! I appreciate Samson’s insights on Siakam’s strengths and weaknesses. Samson’s cat had some great moments 😄
rug
awesome! buckling in. very excited by the trade.
Frankie Noonan
Now it works! Thanks for the speedy re-upload
