The Toronto Raptors had a horrible 2021 season, and there are valid reasons why. Some are self-inflicted, and others have been out of their control. Not retaining Serge Ibaka to play center was management’s own self-inflicted sabotage of a team that had completed seven consecutive seasons of playoff basketball.
The decision left Toronto with an inadequate frontcourt for much of 2021. Replacements Aron Baynes and Alex Len had negative impacts on the team.
COVID-19, for the second season in a row, displaced the Raptors from Toronto, and playing before a hostile crowd meant Toronto had few moments this season where they felt at home and comfortable.
The players, coaches, and management didn’t really have a say in re-locating for this season. With the Canadian border closed due to reasons associated with the pandemic, the Raptors had to find a new temporary base of operation, and it ended up being Tampa at the Amalie Center.
Considering the words of power forward Chris Boucher, it’s obvious how the Raptors’ Florida experience has played out. When asked if he had a “unique Florida moment,” his response was:
"“When I go back to Toronto, I’ll be good,” said Boucher. “Cause honestly I miss Toronto, like the food and everything. It’s been rough.”"
2020-21 stunk for the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors ended the season 27-45 and are probably in a hurry to leave Florida quickly with the dream of returning to play out of the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto for next season.
The Raptors will secure a top 10 draft pick this summer. As bad as it has been for the Raptors this season, other teams across the NBA have had worse a season. Here’s a quick look at four teams that had it worse in 2021.