The Toronto Raptors have announced they are firing coach Dwane Casey, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The Raptors decided to make the move despite Casey just setting a franchise record with 59 wins and being a candidate for coach of the year. This feels mostly like an overreaction to being swept by Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers more than anything else.
It’s really hard to defend a team firing a coach who is coming off a record setting year. The Raptors won 59 games this season and their record improved in six of the seven seasons that Casey was coach. Granted, the season didn’t end how they wanted but it’s also really hard to blame Casey for the way the team played against the Cavs. It never really looked as if the Cavs were necessarily the better team. It more so looked like a team in the Raptors who were in fear of one player and were mentally defeated long before the series ended.
You have to wonder who the Raptors feel they can hire who will come in and get more from the current team. Do they believe they will find a coach who can win 60+ games and get the franchise to the NBA Finals? Those things happening next season are very doubtful, regardless of who is the next coach is. Reports say both Mike Budenholzer and Jerry Stackhouse will get serious consideration.
For Casey personally, there is no doubt he won’t be unemployed for long. Expect him to get offers rather soon to coach elsewhere next season and deservedly so.
Written by @IamJoeSports
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