Sports
Pascal Siakam Earns Third All-Star Nod, First with Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was named an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve on Thursday, marking his third career selection and his first as a Pacer. The announcement came after a vote by NBA coaches, recognizing Siakam’s standout performance this season.
Siakam, acquired by the Pacers in January 2024 from the Toronto Raptors, has been a cornerstone for Indiana, averaging 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His efficiency has been remarkable, shooting 52.6% from the field and a career-high 41.3% from three-point range. His contributions have been pivotal in the Pacers’ turnaround, as they hold a 26-20 record and sit fifth in the Eastern Conference.
“The support that I’ve had since I’ve been here has been amazing,” Siakam said after a season-high 37-point performance against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. “It would mean a lot to represent the Pacers out there on All-Star weekend.”
Siakam’s impact extends beyond scoring. He leads the team in rebounding and ranks fourth in assists, showcasing his versatility. Defensively, he has been a key factor in the Pacers’ improvement, posting a defensive rating of 109.0, third among regulars and second among starters.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised Siakam’s consistency, calling him “a 20 and 8 guy every single night.” Teammate Tyrese Haliburton echoed the sentiment, stating, “It’s no question. Just ask the coaches. Ask other players. It’s not a debate.”
This marks the third consecutive year the Pacers have had a player selected for the All-Star Game, following Haliburton’s appearances in 2023 and 2024. Siakam will join Eastern Conference reserves Jaylen Brown, Damian Lillard, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, and Cade Cunningham in San Francisco on Feb. 16 for the All-Star Game, which will be televised on TNT.
Siakam’s journey to this moment has been marked by resilience and growth. After winning an NBA championship with the Raptors in 2019 and earning Most Improved Player honors, he has continued to elevate his game. His leadership and production have been instrumental in the Pacers’ push for playoff contention this season.