The Indiana Pacers’ improbable journey to the 2025 NBA Finals has been fueled by youthful energy and relentless pace, but head coach Rick Carlisle credits veteran Pascal Siakam for anchoring the team.
The nine-year veteran, who owns a championship ring, has led by both example and communication. In Game 1, Indiana rallied from a 15-point deficit, its fourth such comeback this postseason, before Tyrese Haliburton delivered the game-winner.
Pascal Siakam’s Veteran Presence Key to Indiana Pacers’ Finals Success
Indiana’s rise to the 2025 NBA Finals has been driven by youth and speed, but head coach Rick Carlisle believes veteran Pascal Siakam has provided the foundation. Carlisle emphasized the importance of vocal and non-vocal leaders on the roster.
“We communicate a lot with our players,” Carlisle said. “Guys that aren’t necessarily the overt vocal leaders by nature, we try to pull it out of them in the room. Certain players, like Pascal, is an example of a guy that has a lot of experience. He’s a leader by nature.”
Carlisle added that Siakam regularly shares insights and offers guidance, helping younger teammates navigate high-stakes moments.
“He’s always there to make an observation, to talk to the team about experiences that he’s had, cautionary things to avoid,” Carlisle said.
Pascal Siakam scored 21 points in a thrilling Game 3 matchup against Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals, proving his veteran experience and worth.
Cameroon International 🇨🇲 Pascal Siakam with 21 Points vs. OKC in an electrifying game 3 encounter of the #NBAFinals.#NBAAfrica pic.twitter.com/AZQWBVLank
NBA Africa (@NBA_Africa) June 12, 2025
The Pacers acquired Siakam on Jan. 17, 2024, from the Toronto Raptors, where he spent the entirety of his career and played a central role in their 2019 championship. Indiana sent multiple first-round picks in exchange for the two-time All-Star. The impact was immediate.
“Well, if you have the right player to build around, it can happen much faster than you think,” Carlisle told The Athletic. “Getting Tyrese made it very clear what our identity as a team needed to be… The Siakam trade took things to another level.”
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Siakam, now 31, has also lauded Carlisle’s coaching approach.
“I like his communication. He does a great job communicating with us,” Siakam said. “He kind of always sends messages, like he’s active with that, just talking, communicating, making sure that we’re on the same page. And I appreciate it as a player.”
Siakam quickly adapted to Indiana’s style and offered a steady presence on a young, emerging roster. In 2024, he generated 20.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He’s been just as strong in the playoffs, upping the ante when it matters most with a handful of clutch plays on both sides of the court.
