The Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks are set to launch their NBA seasons on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in Atlanta, both teams eager to return to playoff contention after missing the postseason last year. The Raptors’ forward, Scottie Barnes, expressed the team’s ambitions clearly: “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.” Toronto has not qualified for the playoffs for the past three years, while Atlanta has struggled to advance beyond the play-in tournament in recent seasons.
Barnes had a standout performance last season, being the only player in the league to achieve over 500 rebounds, 300 assists, 90 steals, and 60 blocks. He averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. The Raptors also welcome back leading scorer RJ Barrett, who posted career highs with an average of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Additionally, Jakob Poeltl returns after setting personal records with 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds last season.
To enhance their offensive capabilities, which ranked 23rd in scoring last year, the Raptors have acquired Brandon Ingram, who averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists during his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans. The team also anticipates the return of Immanuel Quickley, who averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 assists but missed 49 games last season due to a partial UCL tear in his left elbow.
Poeltl noted the team’s chemistry, stating, “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.” This collaborative spirit could be key as they embark on their journey this season.
The Hawks will rely heavily on point guard Trae Young, who led the league in total assists with 880 and averaged 11.6 assists per game. As a four-time All-Star, Young has joined an elite group of players, including Oscar Robertson and James Harden, by averaging at least 24 points and 11 assists in a season.
Another significant player for Atlanta is Dyson Daniels, who recently earned the title of 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 per game. He secured a four-year contract extension worth $100 million prior to the start of the season.
A healthy Jalen Johnson will also be an asset for the Hawks. After undergoing surgery for a torn left labrum that limited him to just 36 games last season, Johnson is ready to make an impact. He averaged 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists before his injury. Johnson expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s been a long time since January, so I’m excited to get out on the court.”
The Hawks made a significant addition to their roster with Kristaps Porzingis, who joined the team from Boston in an offseason three-team trade. Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season, further bolstering Atlanta’s lineup.
As both teams prepare for their season opener, the anticipation is palpable. With high expectations and a mixture of returning talent and new acquisitions, the Raptors and Hawks aim to make a strong statement from the outset of the season.
