The Most Disappointing Teams in the NBA

Eastern Conference Top Two

Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 12-16
10th Place in Eastern Conference

The signing of Elton Brand during the off-season brought lots of attention towards the 76ers newly powered lineup. With Brand at the power-forward position, the Sixers looked like one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

But with the firing of head coach Maurice Cheeks and the lack of chemistry between the players, the Sixers have become one of the biggest upsets so far this season. To make things worse, Elton Brand recently injured his shoulder keeping him from action for at least a month.

Samuel Dalembert is having a horrific season thus far averaging just 6.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 1.4 BPG in only 25.3 MPG; after averaging 10.5 PPG, 10.4 RPG, and 2.3 BPG, in 33.2 MPG during the '07-'08 NBA season.

The Sixers are in one big mess and need to re-cooperate if they have any hopes in making the playoffs this season. Once Brand returns to the Sixers line-up head coach Tony DiLeo must turn the Sixers into a winning team or else we could see another head coach firing before the end of the season.

ESPN sports writer Bill Simmons predicted the 76ers to finish the season in sixth place with a 43-39 record. I do not see that happening this season!

Toronto Raptors
Record: 11-17
12th Place in Eastern Conference

Acquiring Jermaine O’Neal gave Raptors fans a sense of hope making it past the first round of the playoffs. Jermaine was set to play the center with Chris Bosh at the power-forward position. The Raptors, along with head coach Sam Mitchell finally looked like one of the most powerful teams in the Eastern Conference.

After starting the season 8-9, general manager Bryan Colangelo decided to fire head coach Sam Mitchell. Assistant Coach Jay Triano took over the head coaching job and has done little to help the Raptors improve so far.

Jermaine O’Neal has not been living up to expectations this season averaging just 13.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 1.7 BPG in 29.6 minutes of play. Besides injuries being a concern already this season, Jermaine stated that he was 100% healthy at the start of the year and expected to rebound after a horrible season during his '07-'08 campaign.

If the Raptors want to improve their lousy record this season, Jermaine must step up his play on both ends of the court as well as strengthening his chemistry with his teammates. Chris Bosh, Jermaine O’Neal, and Jose Calderon were expected to be one of the best trios in the league and have somehow stooped their way down to 12th place this season.

ESPN sports writer Bill Simmons predicted the Raptors to end the season in seventh place with a record of 41-41. At this rate, the Raptors are not going to reach the 40 win column.

Western Conference Top Two

Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 8-20
11th place in Western Conference

The signing of Marcus Camby and Baron Davis brought Clippers fans to their feet! For once the team actually looked good! With Chris Kaman ending his '07-'08 season with career numbers in points (15.7 PPG), rebounds (12.7 RPG), blocks (2.8 BPG), and minutes (37.2 MPG), the Clippers looked like the team to beat.

But after starting the season with an 8-20 record, the Clippers look like they have totally lost all hope in making the playoffs. Chris Kaman has been injured for over two weeks with an injured foot and is not expected back until after the New Year. Zach Randolph injured his knee last night and Marcus Camby is out due to personal reasons.

Head-Coach Mike Dunleavy needs to spice things up in L.A. or he can be the next coach to get fired this season. When Kaman returns, the Clippers could become a big team in the West if they can work their problems out.

ESPN sports writer Bill Simmons predicted the Clippers to end the season with a 33-49 record. As of right now, that looks like a pretty accurate prediction.

Sacramento Kings
Record: 7-22
13th place in Western Conference

With the departure of forward Ron Artest, the Kings became a rather young team. (Exceptions to Brad Miller and Mikki Moore). Kevin Martin established a name for himself in the '07-'08 season as one of the best scoring shooting-guards in the entire league while John Salmons was expected to start the new season for the first time in his six year career. Head Coach Reggie Theus expected big things from the Kings going into the 08-09 season.

After a 6-18 start, Reggie Theus was put to blame and fired. Kevin Martin suffered an ankle injury on November 9 and was out for a few weeks before returning to re-injure his ankle yet again. Martin has now been out for the last 12 games in a row and has no time-table return.

Brad Miller is on the trade market and looks to be leaving the Kings roster very shortly. Spencer Hawes would take over the starting center position and could excel tremendously.

Francisco Garcia has made a recent return to the Kings line-up, but has not done much to turn the Kings record around.

The Kings have no chances of making the playoffs this season. They have a terrible record of 7-22 and will need a season or two before they become a playoff contending team in the Western Conference.

ESPN sports writer Bill Simmons predicting the Kings to end the season with a 37-45 record. The Kings will be lucky to make it past 20 wins this season.