NBA: 5 teams in desperate need of a hot start to the 2021-22 season

NBA teams in desperate need of a hot start: 2. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are finally going home. After a season in exile where they played their games in Tampa, Florida, they’ll get to play their home games in Toronto, Ontario. They’ll take the court without their heart and soul, Kyle Lowry, though. He moved on to the Miami Heat in the offseason and the Raptors are going to have to make decisions on the future of the organization.

A slow start may lead them to consider a course correction towards a rebuild. Following a disappointing lost season in 2020-21, there may be minimal tolerance for continued losing with the status quo. Conversely, a hot start could renew confidence in this team’s core, although Pascal Siakam isn’t expected to return until at least November 1st as he recovers from a torn labrum.

NBA teams in desperate need of a hot start: 1. New Orleans Pelicans

Nobody needs a great start more than the New Orleans Pelicans. Two straight missed playoffs to begin Zion Williamson‘s NBA career, three head coaches in as many years and more turmoil than any young team should have to endure, and the Pelicans find themselves in this dire situation.

It’s hard to see just what the repercussions would be for a slow start. Perhaps executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin will get the ax, and it would be understandable after multiple years of Zion squandered in his early career. They need to get off to a good start in order to generate some goodwill if nothing else, so hopefully they’re fortunate enough to do just that.