12. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
After a breakout season last year where he was a huge part of Toronto’s NBA championship, Pascal Siakam has returned and put up even better numbers this season. The 26-year-old was named an All-Star for the first time while leading the Raps with 23.6 points per contest. His 7.5 rebounds were also just second on the team to Serge Ibaka.
After winning Most Improved Player last season, Siakam hasn’t let that get to his head, continuing to improve every single day and be included in the conversation of the game’s elite.
With his tremendous length, Siakam is a force to reckoned with around the hoop, both offensively and defensively. He’s also a great athlete and has the ability to shoot the ball efficiently. After Kawhi Leonard departing in the offseason, Siakam has done a fantastic job of filling the void left by the aforementioned, leading the Raptors to a 46-18 record.
He’s a very important piece of this Toronto team and will be for many years to come as he continues to evolve and take his game to new levels.