Siakam reflects on bubble struggles: 'I didn't recognize myself'

Pascal Siakam knows he didn't play up to expectations during the Toronto Raptors' run inside the NBA's Disney bubble last season.

The All-NBA forward says his diminished production in Orlando was difficult to rewatch during the offseason.

"I didn't recognize myself in terms of having fun," Siakam said Thursday, courtesy of The Athletic's Blake Murphy. "I love this game and I don't ever want to be able to play the game without joy."

Siakam struggled mightily during the Raptors' seeding and playoff games. The Cameroonian averaged 16.9 points during 18 contests in the bubble while shooting 39.5%, including a paltry 26.5% clip from 3-point range.

Siakam says he's looking forward to putting his struggles behind him after recalibrating on and off the court this offseason.

"I always focus on going back and getting better," Siakam added. "(This offseason) was no different, but obviously with a little edge."

The 26-year-old is set to enter the first season of the four-year, $130-million contract extension he signed in October 2019.