Raptors president Masai Ujiri says coach Nurse and Pascal Siakam are in a 'much better place now' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: The Canadian Press/PA Images – Scanpix Credit The Canadian Press/PA Images – Scanpix

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri spoke for the first time to media after signing a new deal with the franchise. During the press conference, Ujiri also addressed the issues between coach Nick Nurse and star forward Pascal Siakam, acknowledging that the two had to go through some difficult moments, especially during the past season.

"I think everybody is in a better place right now," Ujiri said during the press conference. "Our fan base has been hard on Pascal and trust me, he's a prideful man. He's a Raptors and he's gonna stay with us".

During the offseason, there've been rumblings about a potential departure of Siakam, even after the NBA draft, when the Raptors selected another forward in Scottie Barnes, a former Florida State alum. But Ujiri informed Siakam's entourage that he had no intention to trade him.

In the last season, Siakam averaged 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The Cameroonian forward has already won an NBA title with the Raptors and especially after the departure of Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry, he has become the leader of the team in many ways.

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