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Toronto Raptors: Dwane Casey deserves another chance

By Paul Taylor

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 7: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors directs his team during the second half of Game 4 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on May 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 128-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 7: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors directs his team during the second half of Game 4 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on May 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 128-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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With speculation surrounding Dwane Casey’s future as Toronto Raptors’ head coach, we believe he deserves the opportunity to return next season.

Well, that didn’t quite work out as planned! On Monday, we offered four ways the Toronto Raptors could come back from 3-0 down, to win their second round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Unfortunately for the Raptors and their fans, things went quickly awry after an encouraging first quarter. When it was all said and done, the Cavaliers had won 128-93, to win the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Certainly, when you’re swept, there’s plenty of blame to go around. For example, when the Raptors needed him most, DeMar DeRozan failed to step up, scoring just 21 points total in Games 3 and 4.

This is not a criticism per se, considering what a fantastic season DeRozan had. Regardless, the narrative will now continue, that he cannot come through when the stakes are raised.

Similarly, Kyle Lowry had little influence when it mattered most in Game 4. Yes, he provided 10 assists, but you expect more than five points in a do-or-die game, with the season on the line.

Unsurprisingly, another person receiving a lot of criticism is head coach Dwane Casey. In fact, there have been some calls for him to be fired.

However, Tyronn Lue summed these calls up perfectly, prior to Game 4. As reported by Sportsnet‘s Vivek Jacob, the Cavaliers’ coach said: “That’s absurd, that’s crazy.”

And Lue’s right. Why would you fire someone who has resided over the most successful period in franchise history?

Casey’s resume with the Raptors is extremely impressive. He’s first all-time among Toronto head coaches in overall wins, division titles and playoff appearances.

In addition, the 61-year-old is the only coach in franchise history to take the team to the Conference Finals. His level of consistency, especially during these last five seasons, is second to none.

The way Casey adapted this season to a new system also deserves praise. The offence and defence both ranked in the top five for efficiency, as the team set a new franchise record for regular season wins.

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Even the way the Indianapolis, Indiana native finally found out how to use Jonas Valanciunas more effectively, is worthy of note. And, there are still those who are not happy with what he’s done, saying he has taken the team as far as he can.

While there may be some merit to this, at some point it has to be about the players at Casey’s disposal. Once they’re on the court, no matter what system is used, no matter what plays are designed, he can’t actually take the shots for the likes of DeRozan and Lowry.

Now, we should state we’re not claiming Casey is devoid of blame altogether. Sure, he’s made mistakes too along the way; you win as a team and you lose as a team.

However, to say the 2018 All-Star Game head coach should be fired at this point, makes little sense. The Raptors are only one season into a new system and the supporting cast is only going to get better, especially the likes of OG Anunoby.

What will really decide the fate of this roster in its current state — assuming Masai Ujiri and company don’t decide to blow it all up and start over — is if DeRozan can ever become a clutch closer and if Serge Ibaka turns up more consistently, come next season’s playoffs.

If it all comes together, this team might finally reach the promised land of the NBA Finals. And if they do, Casey deserves to be a part of it.

Next: A look back at other firsts in Raptors' history

What would you do if you were in the Toronto Raptors’ position? Would you fire Casey, or give him another season to (further) prove himself? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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