Sep 27, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) speaks to the media during Media Day at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam could make his season debut Sunday following offseason shoulder surgery, Sportsnet reported Saturday.
If the 27-year-old All-Star doesn’t suit up on Sunday against the visiting Brooklyn Nets, Toronto’s next game is Wednesday at Boston.
“He’s getting closer every day,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said before Friday’s 102-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Everything has checked out pretty good. He’s hit all the checkmarks and everything of where he’s supposed to be, or maybe even a little ahead.
“I would imagine maybe next week we’ll see him on the court. … He’s been practicing with contact for over a week now. All of that has been pretty short. Practices aren’t long. He has had a couple runs with the 905 (Toronto’s G League affiliate) as well.”
Siakam was given a five-month recovery timeline following surgery in June to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
He sustained the injury during a May 8 game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Siakam averaged 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 56 starts last season.
A first-round pick (27th overall) in 2016, he was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2018-19 and a first-time All-Star selection in 2019-20. He helped the Raptors win the 2019 NBA championship.
Siakam’s career averages include 14.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 332 games (238 starts).
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–Field Level Media