It is almost certain that Serge Ibaka will be the starting power forward of the Toronto Raptors in the 2017-18 NBA season. Ibaka already proved himself to the team and is one of the most experienced players on the roster. However, he should not be complacent since it is possible that Pascal Siakam will soon take the starting duties from him.
A report by Raptors Rapture suggested that Siakam is likely to have a "breakout season" for Toronto. The 23-year-old immediately had an impact to the Raptors last season (his rookie year) and also made waves in the NBA G-League.
He played 55 games in Toronto's previous campaign and started in 38 of those appearances. The 6-foot-9 big man averaged 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds, in 15.6 minutes per contest. In his time in the G-League, he won a championship and was also named the 2017 Finals MVP.
Raptors Rapture emphasized that Siakam is improving each year. If this trend continues for him, then the Raptors might be forced to adjust their lineup sooner than expected. Will they still rely heavily on Ibaka at the No. 4 spot or will Siakam be given the opportunity to shine? Once the season rolls, all of these questions are getting their answers.
Brazil national team removes Bruno Caboclo
In another Raptors news, forward Bruno Caboclo was removed from the Brazilian squad competing at the FIBA Americup.
According to reports, Caboclo had an "act of indiscipline" that led to his elimination from the team. National team manager Renato Lamas explained that the 21-year-old "refused" twice when he was being asked by head coach César Guidetti to return to the game. Caboclo is a small forward who Toronto selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
He has spent three seasons with the organization already but only has 23 games under his belt so far.
Raptors roster welcomes K.J. McDaniels
Over a week ago, there was a new addition to the Raptors roster. Young journeyman KJ McDaniels reportedly agreed to a one-year deal to play in Toronto. When he signs on the dotted line, he will be joining his fourth team in the same number of seasons.
Before striking a deal with the Raptors, the 24-year-old had stints with the Philadelphia 76ers (drafted him in 2014), Houston Rockets, and the Brooklyn Nets. In a total of 49 games played for the Rockets and Nets last season, the former Clemson Tiger averaged 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds, in 10.3 minutes per contest.
