Is Siakam better than Tatum?

[perks-a-beast]

this oughta spark some good debate.

Of course Tatum has a larger upside as he's turning 21, while Siakam will be 25 in April.

But RIGHT NOW is Siakam the better player?

Siakams numbers: 16.1 PPG , 7.0 RPG , 2.8 APG , 55%FG , 34%3PT
 
Tatums numbers: 16.5 PPG , 6.3 RPG , 1.9 APG , 45%FG , 38%3PT

I think it's pretty close, but giving the edge to Tatum based on his playoff success.

For those of you who don't know Siakm has only been playing organized basketball for 7 years, including 3 in the NBA! It's amazing that we're even comparing him to a high caliber stud from Duke whose been balling most his life.

[Celtics4ever]

NOPE

[perks-a-beast]

NOPE

I think it deserves more introspection than just saying NOPE..Siakam just had a 44 point game, is easily going to win MIP, and is the superior defensive player. On a team with a top 2 record in the league.

[Celtics4ever]

Siakam never really thrived until he had Leonard.   Tatum was a able to put up his numbers as a second and third option, sometimes first last year.   One can't say that of Siakam.    As a number one option he would wither and fail.  He really benefits from who is around him.   He also does not have a solid play off record under his belt.   Didn't most of the teams he has played on get swept in the playoffs can't say that for Tatum?  Playoff are "Tatum Time" thus far for Siakam they have been "Early Vacation Time".

I think if you asked around you would be in the minority thinking Siakam is better.   Don't be shocked if you ask questions and the answer do not line up with your expectations.  This is Celticsstrong not Raptorsaremysecondfavoriteteamblog.....

[gouki88]

I think he is, but it's nothing to be concerned about. Siakam is a better rebounder, defender and is more efficient, but he is also 4 years older.

The age gap the really significant thing for me. Once Tatum is 2 more years into his career I think he will have eclipsed Siakam. Siakam is definitely a good player though, wish Terry had taken steps forward like Siakam unlike the steps back he's taken.

[gouki88]

Siakam never really thrived until he had Leonard.   Tatum was a able to put up his numbers as a second and third option, sometimes first last year.   One can't say that of Siakam.    As a number one option he would wither and fail.

I think that's a pretty casual dismissal of the improvement he's made year by year. His shooting, efficiency and general offence takes big strides every year.

[Celtics4ever]

think that's a pretty casual dismissal of the improvement he's made year by year. His shooting, efficiency and general offence takes big strides every year.

I replied above to his comments.  BTW its offense, not offence in basketball.

[Silky]

Siakam is a bum.

No one focuses on guarding him and that is the only reason he puts up a few numbers. He scores garbage points and has a single move, that spin around. If team actually gameplanned for him he would be completely useless.

Look at his number when he is guarded by a respectable defender.

Eho even guarded him in that wizards game?

There is no one. No one. NO ONE whould would pick Siakam ahead of Tatum right now. Not even Siakam.

[perks-a-beast]

Siakam never really thrived until he had Leonard.   Tatum was a able to put up his numbers as a second and third option, sometimes first last year.   One can't say that of Siakam.    As a number one option he would wither and fail.  He really benefits from who is around him.   He also does not have a solid play off record under his belt.   Didn't most of the teams he has played on get swept in the playoffs can't say that for Tatum?  Playoff are "Tatum Time" thus far for Siakam they have been "Early Vacation Time".

I think if you asked around you would be in the minority thinking Siakam is better.   Don't be shocked if you ask questions and the answer do not line up with your expectations.  This is Celticsstrong not Raptorsaremysecondfavoriteteamblog.....

If you read my post you would have seen that I don't think Siakam is better and said I give the edge to Taum..I just think it's a close call.

[Celtics4ever]

Give Tatum four more years and it won't be so close.

[Moranis]

Siakam has performed better but he is not the better player.

[gouki88]

think that's a pretty casual dismissal of the improvement he's made year by year. His shooting, efficiency and general offence takes big strides every year.

I replied above to his comments.  BTW its offense, not offence in basketball.

Not in Australia it's not.

Siakam has performed better but he is not the better player.

This is pretty much where I'm at.

[smokeablount]

Siakam has been good but I'd hope playoff Tatum is better than playoff Siakam. 

The whole thing about Tatum is he's 20 whereas guys like Siakam and Kuzma are 24 and 23, respectively, so the key is he's on their level but 3 years younger.

He's either gonna be a lot better than those guys in 3-4 years, or if he won't be, we should trade him this summer for AD when it's likely his value will never be higher.

[RJ87]

RIGHT NOW, yes I think Siakim is better. His two way ability is the separator.

[GreenShooter]

Why are we comparing Siakim to Tatum? Why Siakim? Is it because we passed on him to take Yabusele and Zizic? We also passed on Brogdon and LeVert as well.
Toronto will not get Anthony Davis with a package starting with Siakim