Siakam vs Giannis: 2 finals appearances vs 1

1. Three-Point Shooting:

• Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam is a significantly better three-point shooter than Giannis. In the 2024-25 season, Siakam shot 41.3% from three on moderate volume (around 2-3 attempts per game), showcasing his ability to stretch the floor. His career three-point percentage is around 34%, with steady improvement.
• Giannis’s Context: Giannis has struggled with his outside shooting, with a career three-point percentage around 29% and often shooting below 20% in recent seasons (e.g., 0.00% in one month cited). His lack of a reliable jumper limits his spacing ability.
• Impact: Siakam’s shooting makes him a more versatile offensive threat in certain lineups, as defenses must respect his range, whereas Giannis is often dared to shoot from deep.

1. Mid-Range Scoring:

• Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam has developed a polished mid-range game, particularly with pull-up jumpers and turnaround shots. Analytics from BBall-Index give him an “A” grade for Midrange Pull Up Talent, and he’s effective in isolation, averaging high isolation points per game. His ability to attack off the dribble, reject screens, and hit mid-range shots gives him an edge in half-court sets.
• Giannis’s Context: Giannis relies heavily on his dominance in the paint (0-3 feet range), where he’s elite, but his mid-range game is less refined. He’s less comfortable with pull-up jumpers or creating space off the dribble outside the restricted area.
• Impact: Siakam’s mid-range versatility allows him to exploit defenses that sag off or switch, making him a more complete scorer in varied offensive schemes.

1. Offensive Versatility in Playoff Scenarios:

• Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam has shown he can adapt his scoring approach based on defensive schemes, using a mix of post-ups, face-ups, and perimeter shots. In the 2024 playoffs, he dropped 37 points on 16-of-23 shooting against the Bucks, showcasing his ability to dominate in multiple ways (mid-range, drives, and lobs). His playoff career-high 39 points in 2025 further highlights his clutch scoring versatility.
• Giannis’s Context: Giannis is a force in transition and paint scoring, but defenses often build a “wall” to limit his drives, daring him to shoot. His offensive game, while dominant, is less varied, relying on physicality and playmaking over shooting.
• Impact: Siakam’s ability to score from multiple levels makes him harder to game-plan against in certain matchups, especially when defenses collapse on primary ball-handlers.

1. Defensive Versatility Against Smaller Players:

• Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam’s agility and length (6’8”, 245 lbs) allow him to effectively guard smaller, quicker players, including point guards, in addition to power forwards and centers. His defensive motor and ability to switch across positions were noted early in his career, earning praise from coaches like Dwane Casey.
• Giannis’s Context: Giannis (6’11”, 243 lbs) is an elite defender, capable of guarding 1-5, with a DPOY award to his name. However, his size can make him slightly less agile against quick guards compared to Siakam, who has a lower center of gravity and quicker lateral movement.
• Impact: Siakam’s ability to lock down smaller players gives him a slight edge in switch-heavy defensive schemes, though Giannis’s rim protection and overall defensive impact are superior.

1. Durability and Availability:

• Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam has been remarkably durable, rarely missing games since joining the Pacers. In the 2024-25 season, he was noted for not missing a game, providing consistency for Indiana. His ability to stay on the court has been critical, especially during injury-plagued stretches for teammates.
• Giannis’s Context: Giannis has faced injury concerns, particularly in the playoffs. He missed games in the 2024 playoffs due to a calf strain, and his availability has been uncertain at times (e.g., a left soleus strain).
• Impact: Siakam’s reliability ensures he’s a consistent contributor, which is valuable for teams needing a steady presence, though Giannis’s impact when healthy is unmatched.

1. Clutch Performance as a Secondary Option:

• Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam thrives as a second option, as seen with the Pacers alongside Tyrese Haliburton. His ability to deliver in clutch moments without needing primary usage (e.g., 37 points in Game 2 vs. Bucks in 2024) makes him a perfect complementary star. He’s efficient in high-pressure situations, like his 8-0 run in the fourth quarter to seal a playoff win.
• Giannis’s Context: Giannis is a primary option, often carrying the Bucks’ offence. While he’s not clutch in his own right, his high usage can lead to fatigue, and he’s less effective as a secondary option due to his limited shooting.
• Impact: Siakam’s ability to shine without demanding the ball makes him a better fit in certain team constructs, particularly as a co-star.

Contextual Notes

• Head-to-Head: Siakam has a 14-12 record against Giannis in 26 games, including 4-2 in playoffs, suggesting he can hold his own in matchups.
• Role and Fit: Siakam’s ability to fit into various systems (e.g., as a secondary option with the Pacers or primary with the Raptors) gives him an edge in adaptability, while Giannis is a system-defining superstar.

Conclusion

Pascal Siakam is better than Giannis Antetokounmpo in three-point shooting, mid-range scoring, defensive versatility against smaller players, durability, and thriving as a secondary option in clutch moments. These strengths make Siakam a more versatile offensive player and a reliable, adaptable star. Siakam’s edges are specific but significant, particularly for teams needing a well-rounded, durable forward who can score efficiently from multiple ranges.