As a new NBA season dawns, it’s time for renewal for the Toronto Raptors. Left out of the playoffs for the first time since 2013, they then watched Kyle Lowry be traded to the Miami Heat.
However, there is not such a terrible peril in the remains for the Raptors, who are finally back at Scotiabank Arena.
Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher, injured, will miss the start of the season, but Nick Nurse’s group also count on a rock, like Fred VanVleet, and on young players with a lot of potential, such OG Anunoby, Gary Trent, Malachi Flynn and newly drafted Scottie Barnes.
Precious Achiuwa and Khem Birch are other assets, as are Goran Dragic, if he wishes to stay with the club.
The president, Masai Ujiri, has expressed passionately that he is here for good, and Nurse is a top trainer. In short, there is still the seed of champions in the organization.
Observers believe the Raptors will have to rely on the qualifying tournament to advance to the playoffs. Others rank the team a step higher.
The new season kicks off Tuesday, with the Brooklyn-Milwaukee and Golden State-Lakers games.
On the eve of a new campaign, here is an overview of the Silver circuit for 2021-2022.
East Association
Defending NBA champions, the Bucks count on a force of nature, Giannis Antetokounmpo, very well supported by Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, among others.
In Brooklyn, coach Steve Nash must find the best formula with superstars Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Irving’s prolonged absence, due to his refusal to be vaccinated, could muddy the waters against the Nets.
Following them, a hot current from the Southeastern tip: the Miami Heat, which has acquired a formidable warrior in Lowry.
The Sixers have to deal with the sorry Ben Simmons saga, who had the best record in the East last season.
As for the Bulls, we want the arrival of DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball to make a real impact, in addition to Zach LaVine.
Otherwise, on April 2, it will take much more than the bobble-head of the Benny mascot to bring fans to the United Center. The Bulls have missed the playoffs in the last four seasons.
For Atlanta, further progress will depend on the quality of the opponent’s adjustments to the nasty Trae Young.
The Knicks, including the Canadian RJ Barrett, will want to correct the affront of a hasty exit in the last series. We added depth with Frenchman Evan Fournier and Bronx native Kemba Walker.
Boston is ridden by rookie coach Ime Udoka, but the club is solid with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in particular.
The Hornets have good elements and could fight with the Raptors and Pacers to stand out, below the heavyweights of the East.
West Association
Champions in the bubble in 2020, the Lakers dream of returning to the top in front of their supporters. The addition of Russell Westbrook is part of this desire to support LeBron James, at his 19e season.
The Suns revived basketball in Phoenix thanks to the exploits of Devin Booker and the experience of Chris Paul, under the guidance of coach Monty Williams. Going to the final against the Bucks gave the organization a boost, and we will want to continue in the same vein.
The Lakers should also be wary of the Warriors and Nuggets, who are awaiting the return of Klay Thompson and Jamal Murray, following serious injuries.
Luka Doncic legitimizes the Mavericks’ hopes, but Dallas will need to get high returns from the support staff.
The fate of the Clippers will depend on the state of health of Kawhi Leonard. The club is building a nearly two billion dollar palace in Inglewood.
Jazz seems to be missing an ingredient. Utah has been amazing in the regular season for five years, without making it to the Western Finals.
In the Thunder, the effort will be there, but we will see for tangible results. In this young and hungry team, we find Montrealer Luguentz Dort, in his third season in the NBA, as well as Ontarian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Here and there
The league celebrates its 75e anniversary – the first game of the inaugural NBA season was presented on 1er November 1946, pitting the Toronto Huskies against the New York Knicks.
From Tuesday to Thursday, in three groups of 25, the NBA will showcase the 75 most influential players in its history.
The circuit has appointed Magic Johnson, Dirk Nowitzki, Clyde Drexler, Oscar Robertson and Bob Pettit as ambassadors. We will see them in particular in connection with the all-star game on February 20, in Cleveland.
A book tracing the course of Antetokounmpo was published in August, written by Mirin Fader. Scottie Pippen’s autobiography will be released in November, Unguarded, and Wish it Lasted Forever: Life with the Larry Bird Celtics by Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe.