Sixers head coach Nick Nurse discusses his views on Pascal Siakam joining the Pacers.
On Wednesday, the Indiana Pacers made history by trading for Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. Siakam, a two-time All-Star, is shooting 52.2% from the field and averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists so far this season.
Coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers, who played with Siakam in Toronto, shared his opinions on the player’s transfer to the Indiana Pacers during practice.
A very excellent player, Pascal, is evidently, Nurse stated. “Good in both offense and defense, can switch gears at will. In my opinion, what does he provide them? I mean, he definitely gives them a bit more size. They play a lot of guards and play he’ll definitely assist them a little bit matchup-wise. He can defend numerous positions.”
The Pacers have a lot of potential lead by Tyrese Haliburton who is gradually becoming one of the finest point guards in the NBA. He’s averaging 23.6 points and 12.5 assists and with the arrival of Siakam, Indiana is trying to force its way into the title contention in the Eastern Conference.
“He can score buckets, man,” remarked Nurse. “He can get the ball in the basket when you need them. So, it’ll be fascinating to watch how he fits in. I don’t know with the pace they’re playing and the manner they’re playing, he obviously can sprint, right? He obviously can run and play in the wide court so it should be exciting to see him do that again.”
The Sixers will get a look at Siakam in a Pacers uniform on Jan. 25 to open a 5-game road trip.