Last year, NBA fans became reacquainted with the 1972-73 Sixers—they of the worst single-season record of all-time, at 9-73—as the cover-your-eyes Nets threatened to challenge the ignominious record for most losses in a season.
This year, after losing Chris Bosh in free agency, the Toronto Raptors will be in the same position.
Last year with Bosh, the Raptors couldn't play defense worth a lick. According to John Hollinger of ESPN, the Raptors were the only team to give up an average of more than 110 points per 100 possessions. No amount of offensive proficiency could save a team that played D that terribly.
Now with Bosh gone and Hedo Turkoglu traded away to Phoenix (say what you will, but he averaged nearly 20-5-5 two seasons ago), the Raps will rely on Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, Leandro Barbosa, and Andrea Bargnani as their main scoring threats.
If that lineup isn't inspiring much confidence in you, dear Toronto fan, there's a reason for that. Your team is going to be categorically awful this year, and the times of 40-win seasons will be a thing of the past for the next year or two.
This year, after losing Chris Bosh in free agency, the Toronto Raptors will be in the same position.
Last year with Bosh, the Raptors couldn't play defense worth a lick. According to John Hollinger of ESPN, the Raptors were the only team to give up an average of more than 110 points per 100 possessions. No amount of offensive proficiency could save a team that played D that terribly.
Now with Bosh gone and Hedo Turkoglu traded away to Phoenix (say what you will, but he averaged nearly 20-5-5 two seasons ago), the Raps will rely on Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, Leandro Barbosa, and Andrea Bargnani as their main scoring threats.
If that lineup isn't inspiring much confidence in you, dear Toronto fan, there's a reason for that. Your team is going to be categorically awful this year, and the times of 40-win seasons will be a thing of the past for the next year or two.
Comment