The Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks are set to embark on their NBA seasons with heightened expectations, both aiming for a playoff return. Their season opener takes place on October 25, 2023, in Atlanta, where both teams hope to turn past disappointments into success.
The Raptors, who have missed the playoffs for the last three years, are determined to change their trajectory. Forward Scottie Barnes emphasized their ambition, stating, “I think our expectations for our team is to definitely make the playoffs and win some games in the playoffs. That’s the standard. That’s the bottom line, with how talented we are and what we should be able to achieve for this team.” Last season, Barnes stood out as the only player in the league to record more than 500 rebounds, 300 assists, 90 steals, and 60 blocks, averaging 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.
Joining Barnes in the lineup is leading scorer RJ Barrett, who posted career highs with an average of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists last season. The Raptors also welcome back Jakob Poeltl, who achieved career-best averages of 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds. To bolster an offense that ranked 23rd in scoring, Toronto added Brandon Ingram. Ingram averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists during six seasons with the Pelicans. Additionally, the team expects to benefit from the return of Immanuel Quickley, who averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 assists last season, despite missing 49 games due to a partial UCL tear in his left elbow.
Poeltl remarked on the team’s chemistry, noting, “What’s impressed me is how much everybody has bought into trying to figure out where everybody else likes to play or wants the ball, or what they’re comfortable in. Nobody so far seems to be going out trying to mark their own territory.”
On the other side, the Hawks are also eager to re-establish themselves in the postseason. Trae Young, the team’s point guard, had a remarkable season last year, leading the league in both total assists (880) and assists per game (11.6). Young, a four-time All-Star, joined the ranks of basketball legends Oscar Robertson, Nate Archibald, and James Harden by averaging at least 24 points and 11 assists in a season.
Another key player for the Hawks is Dyson Daniels, who was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player and was a runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. Daniels averaged 14.1 points and led the league with 3.0 steals. He recently secured a four-year contract extension worth $100 million.
The Hawks are also excited to have a healthy Jalen Johnson back in their lineup. Limited to just 36 games last year due to a torn left labrum, Johnson averaged 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in the games he played. “It’s been a long time since January, so I’m excited to get out on the court,” he stated. “I’m excited to be full-go and fully healthy going into the season.”
Adding to Atlanta’s roster is Kristaps Porzingis, acquired from Boston in an offseason three-team trade. Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 42 games last season, making him a significant addition to the team.
As both teams prepare for their season opener, the stakes are high. The Raptors and Hawks are not only looking to improve upon last year’s performances but also aiming to solidify their places in the playoff picture, setting the stage for an exciting NBA season ahead.
