For Siakam, his success this season is both an affirmation of progress made and the beginning of a new chapter. He’s transitioned from a player who used to attack without a plan, relying on his athleticism and skill to make plays, to one who probes the defence for soft spots, patiently manipulating possessions until he can take advantage of them. He’s playing the game smarter, and leveraging his size, skill and shot-making abilities more easily. The best part is that he’s just getting started. “I can for sure get better,” he says. “[But] it’s humbling just knowing where I come from and the things that I’ve been through as a person, as a basketball player. It just shows that the storm eventually ends.”