Raptors All-Star Pascal Siakam picked to compete in Skills Challenge

Not only is Pascal Siakam playing in his first-ever NBA All-Star Game, on Tuesday, the NBA announced that the Toronto Raptors forward will be participating in the Skills Challenge.

As part of the All-Star Saturday Night on February 15, Siakam is now the third player in franchise history to compete in the event, joining DeMar DeRozan (2014) and Kyle Lowry (2015).

The 25-year-old is a deserving selection, as he has taken over as the Raptors’ best player. Siakam is averaging 23.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this season — all career highs.

The Cameroon native finished third in voting among Eastern Conference frontcourt players with a weighted score of 2.75.

Siakam was selected 27th overall by the Raptors in the 2016 NBA Draft following two seasons at New Mexico State. He also was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player last season and was the MVP of the 2017 NBA G League Finals.

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The Taco Bell Skills Challenge is a three-round, obstacle-course competition that tests the players’ dribbling, passing, agility and three-point shooting.

It will feature a mix of guards and frontcourt players, the event showcases a head-to-head, bracket-style tournament format.

As for the first-round matchups, those will be determined on the night of the event.

Courtesy of the Toronto Raptors

The 69th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, February 16 at the United Center, in Chicago.

With files from Rob Williams.