National Basketball Association

Bargnani calls Raptors worst in NBA

Published Dec. 14, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

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 night loss at Portland, and is expected to miss at least three weeks.

The Raptors have lost six straight and 12 of 13. At 4-19 overall, Toronto is ahead of only Washington (3-16) 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 speak to Bargnani about his remarks, but said he would be ''surprised'' if the comments had not been ''lost in translation.''