There had been some speculation after the season that the Toronto Raptors would have to decide what to do with head coach Dwane Casey after being swept out of the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second year in a row. Obviously after getting the No. 1 seed in the East, the organization had high expectations for the team and most sports media critics thought their window for the NBA Finals was this year. The Boston Celtics were injured, the Philadelphia 76ers are still young and the Cleveland Cavaliers looked like they had a weak cast surrounding LeBron James.
Yet, the Raptors could not capitalize on this opportunity and were sent home at the hands of King James and the LeBronto movement.
Today it was announced that the organization would be moving on from Casey after seven seasons and posting a franchise record 59-win season.
Toronto has fired coach Dwane Casey, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 11, 2018
Here’s what Raptors president Masai Ujiri had to say about the news:
“After careful consideration, I have decided this is a very difficult but necessary step the franchise must take. As a team, we are constantly trying to grow and improve in order to get to the next level. We celebrate everything Dwane has done for the organization, we thank him, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future. He was instrumental in creating the identity and culture of who we are as a team, and we are so proud of that.”
Casey will undoubtedly be one of the hottest names on the market following his firing, with plenty of teams looking to improve their position at the moment.
As far as the Raptors are concerned, G-League coach Jerry Stackhouse will be looked at as a candidate, as will former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer. How many more moves will Toronto make in the offseason is the question.
UPDATE: Lowry responds to the firing of Coach Casey.
Kyle Lowry on decision to dismiss to Casey: “They made a decision — and for me, as a leader in the organization — it’s my job to support the decision that (President) Masai (Ujiri) and GM Bobby (Webster) made.” https://t.co/XPTTugUOdQ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 11, 2018
Kyle Lowry on coach Dwane Casey to ESPN: “Case is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but he let me be me…He was huge for my growth as a man and an NBA player."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 11, 2018