By 
The NBA season is at the halfway point and let’s just say it has been a disappointing one so far for your truly favorite teams. The Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks are my favorite teams and both teams have been disappointing in their own unique way. From the injuries to just outright chemistry to even possibly the coaches the expectations have been dashed and possibly altered for the remainder of the season so here is what is currently going on and what hopefully will be done to make this season and beyond better.
Atlanta Hawks
The Chemistry: I will start with the Hawks who coming into this season had rather strong postseason hopes especially after trading for Spurs all-star guard Dejounte Murray this summer have been… well disconnected to put it lightly. The overall vibe of the team has been discouraging and divided which will be covered in another point here, but any good team needs good vibes and chemistry which this talented team needs desperately.
Nate McMillan: Normally I am in support of Nate McMillan but this time around some of the blame for this season does fall at his feet. McMillan is considered a great person for your coaching staff but not always your head coach and this may be the case after this season I hate to admit it but I expect McMillan to be removed from the position for some one more receptive to this group and more receptive to Trae Young. Currently sitting at 8 seed at 24-22 are turning it around slowly but may be too late when it comes to drastic changes in the organization.
Trae Young: The final part of this is the face of the franchise, superstar Trae Young who has had a rocky season on and off the court. From a blow up at a practice that led to him not being at a game, to multiple unnamed sources from the Hawks saying that things are not well when it comes to Trae Young and his interactions with teammates and coaches. Young already has a tag for being a “Coach Killer” and if the Hawks were to move on from McMillan it will validate that more.
But as a fan of Trae Young I believe in his talent and ability to lead a franchise but clearly things are not well in the organization that has led to now the unthinkable concept of trading Young or a trade request from Young. I would never consider this conversation but now I am ready to have the discussion about it potentially happening. He may not make the all-star team this year, hopefully he will shake off his shooting woes and come around to getting this team back on track to being a potential contender in the East.
Toronto Raptors
Injuries: Now on to my beloved Raptors who had high aspirations this season and have not lived up to it easily being a candidate for disappointing team at the halfway point of the season. But injuries have come in major clusters with multiple players which has set the team back a bit to get some kind of rhythm and momentum especially with the best closing line up in games.
Scottie Barnes: The rookie of the year Scottie Barnes was expected to make a large leap this year but that has not happened. Now it is not time to hit the panic button but there is some cause for concern when it comes to Barnes more specifically his shooting. Barnes confidence is clearly shot and now teams are outright leaving him open daring him to do so, he is slowly finding ways to be impactful on offense, but his shooting situation has to improve in order for the Raptors to take the next step.
What is Next: Yes, there are plenty of things to pick from (Nick Nurse potential hot seat, Fred VanVleet’s performance for example) but the key question is what to do next? Currently at 20-26 the Raptors are at a crossroads where they can blow things up by selling high on Siakam, Anunoby and VanVleet getting some young players that fit Barnes timeline along with some picks could be a quick restart for the team. Another choice is simply to tank, sell any and everything off in order to get a good chance to land a high lottery pick in this year’s draft which is unlikely.
And the last option which may be the likely move knowing super GM Masai Ujiri has no problem going all in when it calls for it. This option means going for a major piece of 2 to go along with big pieces to make a big surge for the playoffs, now whether that’s DeAndre Ayton, Kevin Durant, or *Shudders* Karl-Anthony Towns are all possibilities if this is their move going forward.
Hopefully things come together but I have to prepare for some potential big changes for both franchises that should lead to a promising finish of the year and future.