‘I feel like I’m the chosen one’ - Pascal Siakam on fulfilling his father’s dream | NBA Countdown

Michael Wilbon tells Pascal Siakam's story as an unknown prospect out of Cameroon, driven by his late father to reach the NBA.
(3:48) Michelle Beadle, Paul Pierce, Jalen Rose and Chauncey Billups then talk about his surprising leap from anonymous young player to potential Most Improved Player and NBA All-Star.
#NBACountdown
✔ Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC
✔ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV
ESPN on Social Media:
► Follow on Twitter: / espn
► Like on Facebook: / espn
► Follow on Instagram: fespn
Visit ESPN on KZbin to get up-to-the-minute sports news coverage, scores, highlights and commentary for NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, College Football, NCAA Basketball, soccer and more.
More on ESPN.com: www.espn.com

[@jaykelly7617]

Just give him the most improved player now

[@elim5353]

He better get it. Made a tremendous jump this year!

[@UK-by4zb]

D’angelo Russell

[@OGGOAT23]

I would go with D Lo, but since D Lo got busted NBA will give it to Siakum

[@eternalblessing4984]

@@UK-by4zb Dlo improved just the way most of us thought, we never thought Siakam would improve this much.

[@rsdhillon4198]

improved into an allstar?

[@anklebreaka03]

So proud of this guy man. And now he's a champion... Amazing

[@nikeheritage86]

Props to Kawhi and Siakam, both of them making their late fathers extremely proud with their level of play in the playoffs

[@20thCenturySir]

And van fleet

[@davis2145]

Damn I didn’t know about his back story. So much respect for him

[@bigfrank5637]

Dude is hustling. Luke Mba Amoute. Giving back to the motherland. Respect bro.

[@tyrekcollins3706]

Africa is not the motherland

[@SolaceMcfly]

@@tyrekcollins3706 who hurt you

[@feelingfrizzy5636]

@Lil Wooo holy shit

[@cashcronicles3161]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@SolaceMcfly]

@@tyrekcollins3706 i think a black girl hurt your feelings recently

[@psportsreports1428]

Siakam definitely talented. He is playing good in the playoffs 💯

[@mikejay328]

Yeah but in the playoffs that has to translate to wins too

[@calmdownbruh8518]

@@mikejay328 But it has? So what are you talking about?

[@mikejay328]

@@calmdownbruh8518 I'm talking about long term but right now yes he's doing his thing

[@edgardorivera8857]

He’s been playing good all season

[@mikemoney8344]

@@mikejay328 Only Kawhi and Pascal have showed up for the Raptors

[@leetraviusmckay2919]

Pascal kiakam is the most improved player and has improved so much in just one year

[@kveks87]

LeeTravius Mckay RICO Hines is no joke. You can tell He puts in the work and it’s paying off.

[@damnbeezy7136]

J Cole "keep grinding boy your life could change in one year, and even though it's dark outside the sun is shining somewhere"

[@bodymoremurdaland301]

He’s a Very Good Player I Just Lost My Father This Year & He Always Wanted Me To Go Into The Military & Be a General Like He Died Well I’ll Be Joining This Summer It’s All For Him 💯

[@blkchs]

Dude was balling everyday at those Rico Hines runs at UCLA over the offseason. Practiced with all the nba superstars so I’m sure that had a lot to do with his improvement.

[@crizzleyo815]

i wouldnt say that those few games mad him that much better, but u can see the drive for sure. he was there when they filmed, im pretty sure he worked his ass off the whole summer, what nobody filmed

[@datboid910]

@@crizzleyo815 Few games? He's literally in almost every video and there might be over 100 from just last summer. Dude was putting in work. I literally had no idea who he or Buddy Hield was but they were killing every video i had to look them up and was expecting big things this season after watching them all summer.

[@crizzleyo815]

@@datboid910 cmon dont go full crazy, those chino hill videos are over a 2 week span, just because there are 100s of videos doesnt mean alot when its about the same 5 days xD .. all im saying is that those games dont just make u better.. he worked his ass off the whole summer for sure.. in the first chino hill trainings video he was alrdy a beast..

[@DarkStarEdd]

Crizzle Yo he was at the UCLA pro runs everytime They also work on there game there lmao and practice He lived in the gym all off season

[@Clear256]

Very true I remember that

[@maril3658]

😢what a honorable son..that's why God blesses him

[@aunties5798]

Pascal, my heart is deep and proud of you. You're father's spirit is watching over you all the way to be the next Champion. Merci Beaucoup.

[@Unc_Talks]

This dude is a beast. I felt like I saw him holding back and playing his role.. They need to PAY HIM..

[@jonhoge153]

As a raps fan who watched every game this season i agree with you. With kawhi gone and pascal as the main option on the team he could put up 30 a game if he ball-hogged. Probly wind up around 25 this year though

[@das8771]

Love this guys motor, full tank of gas every game.

[@cjwrench07]

DA S It’s his constant effort too, Siakam will keep Toronto relevant, even if Kahwi leaves, as long as Danny Green stays.

[@lucafigueiredo6005]

If you watch every game you love his personality more

[@damnbeezy7136]

@@cjwrench07 hopefully anunoby has a jump like this

[@noeldelacerna531]

@@cjwrench07 hell nah!! if kawhi leaves raptors will definitely fall.

[@robsmith6650]

Damn his story is inspiring🙏🏽

[@ITACHI-hr8eu]

Pascal "Spicy P" Siakam 🔥🔥💪🏾💞

[@ArshdeepSingh-yl5fr]

Siakam is going to be a top 10 player in the league soon

[@mikejay328]

Who you think have a better career Jaylen Brown, D-MITCHELL, Jamal Murray, Derrick White or some other young talent player right now?

[@TheRealH2dut]

Jay Lee I think Mitchell is well on his way but Jaylen brown is much better than he’s been given credit for this year. If he was he focal point of an offense he’d prob average 18 a game by now.

[@BenjHouston]

Nah come on. Maybe an all star but not top 10. He’ll never even be the best player on his team.

[@AyoJayArr]

He's the next KG

[@javonakers9017]

Too far 😂

[@chadmathew1686]

Pascal your going to win the championship tonight for your father lets go Raptors

[@sarahgates3135]

Wow. I only started watching basketball when the Raptors made the finals, but right from the start I loved Pascal Siakam because he was the “underdog” who hadn’t gotten as much fanfare as other players, but he seemed so driven and played with such speed and energy it was amazing and made me feel happy and energized just watching him. Reading his story has just made me love and admire him even more. He’s come through so much, and shows unbelievable determination to improve and commitment to basketball and his teammates. He hasn’t gotten conceited like some stars, and family still plays a huge role in who he is. Probably still thinks of himself as “just that scrawny kid from Cameroon” who can’t believe where he is today. Can’t say enough good things about this guy. All the best going forward, Pascal!💪🏿💪🏿👍🌶🏀⛹🏿‍♂️🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲 You deserve it❤️

[@nctrnlmjsty798]

Champion! Much respect, Dude came out of nowhere and I think he's gonna have an amazing future in the NBA

[@ellspressions1002]

Honestly, Pascal's story is so inspirational. Every time I watch I him talk about his dad, and his dream- I want so much for him ♥️🙏🏾 not only did he dream it, but when he reached, he worked his rear end off! may his father rest in peace

[@leetraviusmckay2919]

Rip to his dad ❤🙏

[@danieloceans9652]

Honestly, from day one seeing Pascal’s athleticism, mind set, work habits and dedications. I knew he would be an all-star one day and be the face of the Raptors. BRAVO PASCAL!

[@bigpapavee]

What's funny is Chauncey is one of those players who seemed to have huge improvement overnight, like Siakam.

[@DrWNoLs]

The fact that he didn't bring him up shows why he's coveted for NBA management positions and Paul Pierce isn't lol. Billups is a basketball mind first, former player second.

[@stevenbrown5312]

Respect you did it for you and your dad.

[@itouch197]

much respect!!

[@judithes1436]

Proud of you. ..champ

[@richardjt5780]

And now he's NBA champion! Torching Draymond in his 1st NBA finals appearances! Much respect and very good scout by the Raptors.

[@vinceallenmeneses5883]

may God bless siakam a humble guy and kawhi. 🙏

[@angelkings7252]

Lovin’ the way he plays 🔥

[@ssh7579]

This guy is a gem. Proud to have him on our team.

[@diogopadrao4118]

I remember the rise in ability of one particular guy that is now in Philly using number 23. What do I know? A role player that went directly from role player to top 15, leads the league in most effective in 4th quarter close games.

[@fertinbulhoes2802]

He's a talent player.,respect to this guy,..he is a damn good NBA Raptors hero.

[@ebonynerd]

What a great guy...love him

[@Dented_Battle_Armor]

This kid is something else. Yeah he is indeed a diamond in the rough. Dude plays hard all the time

[@stabmastersam4845]

Favourite player in the playoff!

[@masikabrenda3494]

It will suck if he doesn't get most improved player, I love his game!

[@luisalberto3922]

This kid is special. You can just see it in his drive get better every game. Very versatile and very confident. When develops a nice midrange jumper, he is going to be very difficult to defend.

[@tessilindu4934]

Siakam,Embiid from Cameroon. We are going to win the Olympics.

[@didiereva3882]

Don't forget luc MBAh-moute

[@siakysonghai3981]

Petit frère @pascal je suis très fier de toi,loin de toi mais très proche du cœur,tu fais toute la fierté du Cameroun et de la gde famille Siakam en particulier. Comme toi, j'ai mal que mon homonyme qui fut ton père ne soit pas là aujourd'hui pour partager ton succès,c'était son plus grand souhait! Just keep working lil bro,Que Dieu te bénisse Pascal! Cédric Siakam Tchamo.

[@lemar2122]

Paul George, Scottie Pippen and Kawhi had bigger growth, but Siakam has came a long way. He is the most improved player this year..

[@nctrnlmjsty798]

Paul George really? Dude is the next Carmelo.

[@Fricer77]

My favourite player period.

[@pettwaymichael]

Man CJ Mccullom jumped from like 6 points to 20 points that the biggest jump ever

[@miketobeast15]

pettwaymichael casual fan . That’s because the starting 2 good had left so C.J. was able to be the next man. Also played good in playoffs rookie year

[@chiefw3573]

Michael Fru Suck a casual fan. Thanks for educating this guy

[@bigd2302]

Cj been cold for a couple years do yall watch sports

[@jayr2one]

He was injured

[@pettwaymichael]

All of you guys are dumb asses and casual fans pascal wasn’t a starter last year neither when demar was there he was coming off the bench just like cj was and when I’m just speaking strictly on the points differential dumbass people

[@delisiastore6626]

This is motivational

[@winnnexx8908]

pascal siakam brought me here ..most improved player and a champion...

[@missdrama6667]

I love siakam ❤️❤️

[@Lord_Stinkfoot]

What a great kid. Grit.

[@ervelervel]

He is my MVP. He is the main reason why they won the championship.

[@clarendanadiwar1065]

He made his dad proud 🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@opto5547]

Too Polite wth a RESPECTABLE ATTITUDE SIAKAM GO FIGHTING !

[@akouafray8616]

Good progress . Continue to improve Pascal. Bonne chance mon frère.

[@mcLominero]

He's officially Spicy P. From now on. Earned it

[@MrRTFP]

Who else came to watch this after the finals... 👀👀

[@jarakal584]

always thank god before play

[@cruzada07]

this dude is lit

[@barrysamuel5362]

I'm so happy for Pascal . I find myself being happy for all Africans who make it in the NBA . Cause u see where they come from . And they come to the US and take advantage of the opportunities , I love that

[@jedron9580]

Give him championship ring, championship tropy , the most improve player award

[@mamoudabebebalki6765]

We love 🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲

[@cheslxy]

Yes your are, Pascal.

[@arielvalenzuela9033]

Idol siakam

[@stevonecapone7958]

He a beast

[@yvannoah6581]

Cameroon 237 We are 💪💪💪💪💪We represent Africa

[@dicker70]

Yeah bro! The day i finish building Skynet you'll be proud of me too, i promise!

[@Bless-cw2vv]

Joel Embiid from the 76ers and Pascal Siakam from the Raptors are both great CAMEROONIANS who came to the NBA to make America great again.😣. Nonetheless I'm proud to be CAMEROONIAN and doing well in my area too. (PA).

[@gueyeaziz5047]

Best players ever

[@markanderson3826]

He is more than what Draymond green is too warriors

[@nguyenthanhdat93]

Anyone here after the NBA Final?

[@rmillancepero]

Me

[@iwhre20]

I feel all current players from africa should thank luc mbhamoute. They all came from his camp

[@masikabrenda3494]

Almost true though

[@hadanokuroi]

4:11 - Yes, we have. Jimmy Butler.

[@Luck-mx8op]

Most improved player...he's so worth it

[@RackzzzzMusic]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 rip

[@yodwako9291]

His the best 🌶

[@Tenz220]

Believe he will be an all star in the next 2 years

[@JC-ye1gu]

GOAT

[@alexgreen1823]

Siakam plays with a chip on his shoulder to go with all that talent. Love his motor and hustle

[@jjjj-pv5ws]

He will be an all star player

[@alexgreen1823]

2:32 holy smokes I guess the NBA Draft is more like a fantasy draft than I thought!

[@powpow438]

siakam big improvement cant forget harris looked great in season big jump but got give edge to siakam

[@cooneyman21]

I don’t understand how it comes down to the last 30 seconds for these teams to pick in the draft after all the scouting and research they do.

[@SuperStrik9]

Go Pascal!!!! Go Raps!!!!

[@hlinville6034]

One of my new favorite players. Wish he was a Pacer. But I hope he completes his career in Toronto. Always respect a player that stays with their team, and then if he organically establishes a championship ultimate respect.

[@bigd2302]

I felt that

[@HighlightReelFactory]

Tbh last time was probably Kawhi himself

[@DarkStarEdd]

Kawhi gradually improved every year his biggest jump was 4 points more per game

[@tapsirusaccoh67]

African finest ,Embilld,Greek freak,oladipo,Aminu,,siakum

[@annacalapan939]

I'm a huge fan of Paskal Siakam😍such a good player!

[@AM-ms9mn]

CHAMP!✌️

[@arianhamidi4339]

the thumbnail accompanied by the title got me dead lmoa 😂😂

[@TheLinkremmy]

damn, how can't you root for this guy.

[@chitopacifico8408]

His legacy is not only in but off the court. he's an inspiration for all the kids in Africa to play ball. There will be more African players under Ijuri.

[@donkeykong3037]

You can tell this guy wants to succeed

[@manofwisdom2023]

Siakam is The Prophecy.

[@gunsgiftsgalleries7711]

2017-2018 Victor Oladipo?

[@dustificator911]

(3:48) Michelle Beadle, Paul Pierce, Jalen Rose and Chauncey Billups then talk about his surprising leap from anonymous young player to potential Most Improved Player and NBA All-Star.

[@supercoolguy466]

Potential he is WHO is dlo

[@KleinpeterHank]

From 27th pick to NBA champion.

[@CDiddy-go6cg]

Anunoby is injured, Siakam getting more opportunities. We see this all the time. NBA players are super talented

[@freda8666]

Shoutout to Masai Ujiri dude making Africa proud.

[@LuckyStrike94_]

😢

[@vp_808]

LeBron left the east to get away from Siakam

[@thereaper5560]

Yeah I'm quite sure that was it

[@benjilenett2851]

Yeah he did!

[@drewp1076]

Let us calm down, just a little bit.

[@progressivelibertarianview8832]

He knew what was coming...

[@pikachureynolds1110]

Lol dude doesn't even average 7 rebounds a game and was hella soft against the shitsers last game. Pump the brakes.

[@3self]

She looking good

[@ant5611]

his english is perfect

[@samoandemigod1210]

cameroon has a good team

[@cjwrench07]

I’ve been propping this guy since last year. Next year, if/likely, Kahwi leaves, I expect OG to step up and take that 1c/1b spot behind Siakam and MAYBE Lowry(if he’s not traded away, for having zero playoff game)

[@ogg4726]

😭😭😭most improved hands down 👏

[@eduardoparaiso838]

This nigga underrated asf doe