NBA: Pascal Siakam set to take charge at the Pacers
Pascal Siakam will have to carry the Pacers as their sole leader with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined long term through injury
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Pascal Siakam has missed out on a second NBA championship ring. After winning the title in 2019 in Toronto, the 31-year-old Cameroonian lost the 2025 Finals in Game 7 in Oklahoma on Sunday night. Although he did not become the 3rd African in history to win 2 titles in the league, after Nigerian Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets, 1994 and 1995) and Congolese Didier Mbenga (Los Angeles Lakers, 2009 and 2010), Siakam has written his name into Pacers history, with his Eastern Conference finals MVP trophy and his performances over the 7 games of the Finals against Oklahoma, finishing as his team's top scorer with an average of 16.6 points.
THE star of Indiana
Next season, Siakam will play a different role, that of Pascal the big brother. The Cameroonian will have to take over as the franchise's leader because Tyrese Haliburton, the team's other star, will miss the whole of next season with a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in Game 7 against OKC.
So, as a three-time All-Star (2020, 2023, 2025), an established champion, Eastern Conference finals MVP, and with all his experience, Pascal Siakam will have to be the guide for the Pacers' young generation. Since arriving in late December 2023, the former Toronto man has led his side to the conference finals in 2024, and to the NBA Finals this year. He will have to continue that mission, this time as the No. 1 option.
An outstanding 2024-2025 season
Pascal Siakam may have regrets about not bringing a ring back to Indiana. Still, he has plenty to be proud of from his season. The 2019 MIP (Most Improved Player) finished the regular season averaging 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 32.7 minutes per game. It is further proof of his consistency at the highest level over several years. Indeed, it is the 8th straight season in which he has averaged at least 20 points.
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There is no doubt that Pascal Siakam will be under the spotlight next season. For the first time in his career, the Cameroonian will be THE No. 1 player of a franchise capable of competing for top honours.