Pascal Siakam Aims for Historic Second Title in 2025 NBA Finals

INDIANAPOLIS – Pascal Siakam seeks to make history in the 2025 NBA Finals as he attempts to become the first African player to win two NBA championships since Hakeem Olajuwon. Siakam, a three-time All-Star, is now part of the Indiana Pacers, leading the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, currently sitting at a 2-1 advantage.

After winning an NBA title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, Siakam brought the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to a basketball camp in Yaoundé, Cameroon, hoping to inspire young talent, including 15-year-old Yves Missi, now a rookie with the New Orleans Pelicans.

“Just him bringing the trophy and then showing it to us… that feeling was a different feeling that I’ve never felt before,” Missi told Andscape, recalling the emotional moment. Siakam’s return to the finals reinforces that African players like him can reach the top of the sport.

The passing of Naismith Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo last year marked a significant loss for the African basketball community, highlighting the importance of Siakam’s achievements. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, another prominent African player, continues to rise in recognition, but Siakam’s journey remains a beacon of hope.

This year, Siakam won the MVP award in the Eastern Conference Finals, cementing his status as an elite player. He commented, “I’m just a young kid from Cameroon that moved to the U.S. when I was 18 years old and gave everything to the game of basketball.”

Interest in Siakam’s journey extends beyond just his performance. The NBA aims to foster talent in Africa through initiatives like the Basketball Africa League and NBA Academy Africa. Siakam’s early life was different; he was originally enrolled in a seminary to become a priest but found his calling in basketball.

His career took off after participating in a Basketball Without Borders camp, which was pivotal in introducing him to U.S. basketball opportunities. His path from Cameroon to the NBA showcases the hard work and resilience he believes can inspire aspiring players across the continent.

Reflecting on his journey, Siakam said, “I just feel like you can look at my journey and be like, ‘Man, he did it. He did it the hard way.’”

As the Pacers prep for Game 4 tonight, securing another win could bring Siakam closer to a historic second title, while inspiring hope for future generations in basketball.