Pacers quietly vindicated for taking bold Pascal Siakam gamble

Pacers assumed Pascal Siakam would step up this season. And he has.

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesA lot was expected out of Pascal Siakam this season. And so far, he's delivered.

After Tyrese Haliburton went down with an Achilles injury, it was widely understood that the Indiana Pacers would add a little bit more onto Siakam's plate to help generate the offense even more. And after Myles Turner left for the Milwaukee Bucks, this sentiment only grew.

The Pacers didn't really have much of a choice. Siakam immediately became their most important player (and best player,…