Fansided

5 most disappointing teams of the 2022-23 NBA season

By Jack McKenney

Kyrie Irving (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 08: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates a basket with Scottie Barnes #4 Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Scotiabank Arena on January 8, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 08: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates a basket with Scottie Barnes #4 Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Scotiabank Arena on January 8, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

4. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have one of the better rosters in the Eastern Conference, along with an incredible coach in Nick Nurse. Coming into this season, Toronto was widely considering a top-six Eastern Conference team with good reason. Reigning Rookie of Year Scottie Barnes was looking to build off an incredible season, hoping to solidify himself as one of the best young stars in our game. OG Anunoby was emerging as one of the best defenders in the league, reportedly drawing heavy trade interest from around the league at a high price. Pascal Siakam is a bonafide superstar in this league, ambitious to lead this team to another deep playoff run.

In addition to having elite defenders, it was undeniable Toronto could score. In fact, the team started the 2022-23 season having five players averaging 15 points or more from the prior season.

However, Toronto heavily faltered at the start of the season, playing inconsistent and struggling due to their lack of a true rim protector. To address the issue, GM Masai Ujuri acquired Jakob Poetl from San Antonio at the deadline, hoping the team would finally flourish with a true center. The acquisition of Poetl was a message to the basketball world; the Raptors were still all-in on winning.

Toronto held onto Fred Van Vleet and OG Anunoby, both of whom were subject to many trade rumors. Toronto’s play has improved since the move, posting a 15-11 record since the trade. However, it hasn’t done much for them in the standings. Toronto is currently positioned as the No. 9 seed, set to host Chicago for the first round of the play-in game. The Raptors will have to beat the Bulls and then play on the road against the loser of the Heat vs. Hawks game, all for a first-round matchup with the one-seeded Bucks.

It seems that the relationship between Nick Nurse and the front office has soured, with Nurse rumored to be leaving after this season. It will be a new look for Toronto this season, with Nurse likely departing and Jakob Poetl, Gary Trent Jr., and Fred Van Vleet are all set to hit free agency. All eyes will be on Masai Ujuri this offseason and how he handles the direction of the franchise moving forward.

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