Raptors deny report of Siakam fine for directing 'choice words' at Nurse

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetMarch 23, 2021 - 7:54pm

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) goes up for a layup against the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 19, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

The Toronto Raptors say a report that Pascal Siakam was fined $50,000 for “choice words” to head coach Nick Nurse on Sunday is “not correct.”

Toronto’s stance, denying the fine but not that a verbal exchange took place, refuted an earlier report from Shams Charania of The Athletic. That report indicated Siakam would be fined for what he said to Nurse as the team was leaving the floor and heading towards the locker room after Toronto had suffered its ninth straight loss.

NBA teams have several disciplinary options at their disposal but fines are subject to regulations put in place by the league. The players’ union can also file a grievance when fines are levied. The Raptors have not yet reached a decision about what, if any, discipline Siakam will be given as a result of an exchange he had with Nurse on Sunday.

So to clarify re: reports of Siakam being fined $50K for having words with Nick Nurse after loss to Cleveland on Sunday night
1. Siakam has NOT been fined. The team is looking into the occurence but has made no decisoin about what — if any — discipline will result

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) March 23, 2021

What was said during that exchange is not known at this time. However, any suggestion of a disconnect between Siakam and Nurse is false, sources tell Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. Toronto’s losing streak and the tensions that come along with it are instead believed to be the cause of Siakam’s “choice words.”

Siakam is expected to address the matter at his next media availability, which is likely to take place following Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, Grange noted.

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Siakam is averaging 19.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season. He missed eight games between February 24 and March 17 due to COVID-19 protocols.

Now losers of nine straight, following a 117-99 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday, the Raptors sit at 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 17-26 record.

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