It may now be the time to find out what Pascal Siakam is really made of.
The Raptors forward may not be a crossroads in his career — there are many years and likely many bumps still to come — but he is facing much adversity for the first time amid some veiled concerns.
Siakam was back in the starting lineup on Saturday night as the Raptors dropped a 120-116 decision to the Pelicans in New Orleans, but only after coach Nick Nurse said he spoke to the all-star about on-court expectations.
“It’s just something we’re trying to work out here a little bit, and work it out early in the season and not let it prolong,” Nurse said, after sitting Siakam out for Thursday’s win over the New York Knicks.