If the Toronto Raptors are exploring the possibility of moving on from Dwane Casey this offseason, they have apparently not had any discussions with the head coach about it.
During his end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, Casey told reporters he has spoken with team president Masai Ujiri since Toronto was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he was not given any indication that his job is being evaluated.
Asked Casey if he expects to be coaching the Raptors next season: "Nobody's told me any different and until they do I'm still here… Nobody's changed my key lock," said he hasn't gotten an assurances from Masai yet either.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 9, 2018
The interesting thing there is that Casey said he still has not been assured by Ujiri that he will be back next season. Perhaps the situation is turning into one where the Raptors have their eye on a particular candidate and would be willing to replace Casey if an opportunity arose.
Casey said he's met with Ujiri and, while he didn't get an assurances on his future with Toronto, they remain on the same page. Organization's goal is to find a way to translate reg. season success to playoffs. Still referring to Raptors as "we".
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 9, 2018
Casey on criticism/rumours: "It's part of the business. I take it. I'm a big boy. I've been in it for years… It's part of the territory. I take it. I accept it. I'm not running from it… I'm an easy target… I don't feel sorry for myself."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 9, 2018
Toronto won 59 games under Casey this season, which was the best mark in franchise history. The 61-year-old was named the best coach of the year by his peers, but there have been indications that he is not getting along with Raptors star DeMar DeRozan. The debate over where Casey’s relationship with DeRozan currently stands even led to a heated argument between Shaq and Charles Barkley that turned personal.
While the way the Raptors’ season ended was disappointing, they could do much worse than Casey. Unless there is some irreparable damage that has been done, they still seem more likely to bring him back than fire him.
