Toronto forward-center Andrea Bargnani offered a blunt assessment of the struggling Raptors, telling an Italian newspaper that the club is "pretty much the worst team in the NBA."
The first overall pick in the 2006 draft, Bargnani is sidelined because of a torn ligament in his elbow and a strained right wrist. He was injured when he fell awkwardly on a dunk attempt Monday in a loss at Portland, and is expected to miss three weeks.
At 5-19, Toronto is ahead of only Washington (3-17) in the NBA standings.
Bargnani told Italy's La Gazzetta Dello Sport that Toronto's start was "tragic" and "a desperate situation."
Raptors coach Dwane Casey said Friday he intended to speak to Bargnani about his remarks but said he would be "surprised" if the comments had not been "lost in translation."
Wizards – Point guard John Wall can "ramp things up" as he recovers from a stress injury to his left knee cap, coach Randy Wittman said, although there's still no specific timetable for his return. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft has not played this season.
Timberwolves – Coach Rick Adelman said guard Ricky Rubio worked out in Minnesota on Friday and is "very close" to returning from torn left knee ligaments that have sidelined him since March.
76ers – Point guard Jrue Holiday did not play against Indiana because of a sprained right foot. Holiday leads Philadelphia with 18.4 points a game.
Cavaliers – Guard Dion Waiters, the fourth pick in this year's draft, is expected to return from a sprained left ankle for Cleveland's game Tuesday against Toronto.
Hornets – Seven-footer Jason Smith could miss up to two weeks with a right shoulder sprain.
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