Toronto Raptors: Dwane Casey will return next season

By Paul Taylor | May 19, 2017

May 3, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey reacts in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite some calls for a change, Masai Ujiri advises he is committed to Dwane Casey as head coach for the Toronto Raptors, at least for next season.

There has been a lot of talk recently surrounding Dwane Casey’s future with the Toronto Raptors, fueled by a demoralizing second round sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers. On our site alone, Demar Grant has suggested the Raptors need to get their affairs in order, while Vanessa Serrao has outright said that Casey needs to be fired.

However, for anyone hoping the Raptors would move on from their current head coach, they’re going to be disappointed. The 60-year old will be back next season.

Raptors’ President Masai Ujiri confirmed on Thursday that he is committed to Casey. Ujiri’s comments were reported by NBA credentialed freelancer, Kevin Rashidi.

However, for anyone eager to see the Raptors go in a different direction, Ujiri’s comments did come with a caveat. As noted by Rashidi, the 46-year old recognizes that Casey needs to change things and do them better.

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Essentially, what this means is Casey will get one more season with the Raptors, to try to take them to the next level. Whether you think this is fair or not depends — as always — on your perspective.

On the one hand, a lot of Raptors’ fans are becoming increasingly frustrated by seeing their team out-coached (and outplayed) in the playoffs. The feeling is that Casey is out of his depth, when it comes to coaching on the big stage.

Ujiri has effectively promised a culture change. And yet, one viewpoint is that he’s merely paying lip service, as evidenced by retaining his head coach.

However, it could be argued the Raptors can’t advance much (any) further, while LeBron James is still around. Pure and simple, the Cavaliers’ superstar is playing as good as ever – when he’s on, it’s difficult for anyone to stop him.

Some people may see this past season as a step back, after the Raptors advanced to their first ever Eastern Conference Finals in 2015-16. However, both times they have been knocked out by the Cavaliers – which is no different to most other teams since James returned to Cleveland.

Further, Casey has taken the Raptors to heights not previously experienced. This includes; the four best regular season win totals in franchise history, three division titles and four consecutive playoff appearances.

Again though, the naysayers will point to the lack of success once the team actually makes the playoffs. Further, they will argue the Raptors have underachieved, with arguably the best roster in franchise history.

Regardless of your opinion, everyone has to accept the Indianapolis, Indiana native will be around for at least one more season. Either way though, Casey’s critics can’t lose – either he gets fired after the next campaign or he sticks around, which means the Raptors have taken their game to the next level.

Next: Raptors need to get affairs in order

What’s your take on Ujiri’s decision to retain Casey? Do you agree with the call, or are the Raptors making a mistake? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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