Toronto Raptor player Scottie Barnes and Chris Boucher are sharing kind words about Pascal Siakam after it was announced that he was traded to the Indiana Pacers.
“I love him as a brother, it hurts but you just gotta keep moving on, you got to keep fighting. The better is gonna come for him,” Barnes said.
On Wednesday, ESPN revealed that the Raptors have finalized a deal that would see Siakam to Indiana in exchange for players Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora, as well as three first-round picks.
Siakam played forward and was one of two remaining players from the 2018-19 championship roster. Currently, the only player left from the championship team is Boucher.
Prior to the trade being confirmed, Miami Heat player Kyle Lowry expressed his thoughts about his past teammate.
“Pascal, my beloved one, is one of the most coveted players in our league, he’s one of the most talented players in our league. Whatever happens with him, he will be successful and I’m always going to love him and support him and be happy for him no matter what happens,” Miami Heat player Kyle Lowry said to reporters on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Boucher said the news was hard to hear, similar to when he found out OG Anunoby was traded to the New York Knicks last month.
“I know what Pascal can do. I know that he’s going to be really dangerous in his team and he’s going to excel in whatever team he’s in. At the end of the day, it does hurt but we also know what he’s capable of doing and that makes us happier for him,” the forward said to reporters.
Last but not least, Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković said he always admired the two-time All Star’s work ethic, professionalism and spirit.
“He is the first one to show up in the gym and the last one to leave. He was always coachable, always professional since day 1,” the coach said in a press conference on Wednesday.
“I can only be thankful and grateful for all of his contributions to our team this season but also I have to acknowledge that he spent nine years with this organization. Came here as almost a teenager, and left quite a legacy behind him. I wish him all the best going forward,” he continued.
Across the city, Siakam is being recognized and appreciated for his time in Toronto and for helping bring the team its first NBA championship in history.
