Mike Budenholzer is still available on the NBA coaching market after many believed he was the top choice for the New York Knicks, and there’s a chance he could now wind up in Toronto.
Despite leading the Raptors to a franchise-best season with 59 wins, Dwane Casey was fired on Friday after seven seasons with the team. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Budenholzer is “expected to get a close inspection for the Raptors opening,” with assistant coach Nick Nurse and G League coach Jerry Stackhouse also under consideration.
Budenholzer was among the candidates for the Knicks job before David Fizdale was hired, and there’s still a chance he could wind up with the Milwaukee Bucks. Ironically, Budenholzer was the coach Casey hurled expletives at following a game early in the season.
Budenholzer parted ways with the Hawks last month after a 24-58 season with a stripped-down roster. He previously led the team to the playoffs in his first four seasons, including a trip to the conference finals in 2015.
