DeMar DeRozan still has faith in Raptors coach Dwane Casey | National Post

DeRozan would prefer that the pace of change slowed dramatically, especially when it comes to Casey. “It’s important because it’s tough going coach to coach,” DeRozan said. “It was tough last year. Even though we did well on the defensive end, you still struggle at parts. You’re still learning. [Casey] is definitely good for us.”

Raptors general manager, MLSE board meet to “informally discuss” state of team | National Post

Tom Anselmi, president and chief operating office of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, confirmed that there were “informal discussions about basketball” following the board’s holiday luncheon. Anselmi went on to say that Colangelo still has authority over basketball decision making, although certain moves would continue to be subject to board approval.

Reports: Colangelo Met With MLSE Board | RaptorBlog

I would assume and hope that a Colangelo decision on Dwane Casey is one of those moves that would be subject to board approval, because as I’ve stated numerous times recently, Colangelo should not have the leash to fire a third coach under his watch, especially one who’s yet to be given a chance with anything but a flawed roster.

Raptors’ Lowry needs to change style of play | Toronto Sun

While 15.8 points, 5.8 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game are stellar numbers, Lowry is shooting just 40% from the field and has been turning the ball over too often in the clutch. He and Andrea Bargnani took some heat in a recent team meeting for their comportment so far, starting talk that Lowry is a selfish player.

Raptors’ Bargnani ‘depressed’ | Toronto Sun

The enigmatic Roman even used the word “depressed” to describe his current state of mind, though head coach Dwane Casey believed something might have been lost in translation. Bargnani: “I’m very upset that it’s something very bad again (Bargnani missed most of the 2011-12 season due to injuries), kind of depressed,” Bargnani said before lightening up a bit.

CHISHOLM: DAVIS FINALLY SHOWING HIS STUFF FOR RAPTORS | TSN

Davis probably hasn’t done enough to warrant outright optimism that he’s about to break through as an NBA player, but an opportunity has been lain at his feet to define his future on his own terms. No longer can he hide behind inconsistent minutes or a fluctuating role – everything he needs is sitting right there for him to take the next step as a player and all he has to do is take it.

MLSE BOARD MEETS, RAPS VETS BACK CASEY | SportsNet

The vibe at the Air Canada Centre on Thursday morning after the conclusion of the Toronto Raptors practice was an odd one. With the team sitting at 4-19, there is a feeling that something is about to happen. Tension was in the air and words were carefully considered before being spoken.

Mavericks-Raptors Preview | Yahoo!

Things don’t figure to get any easier as second- and third-leading scorers Andrea Bargnani (16.0 ppg) and Kyle Lowry (15.0 ppg) will both miss time with injuries suffered in Monday’s loss at Portland. Bargnani is out indefinitely with a torn elbow ligament and a strained right wrist, while Lowry will likely miss 10 days with a partial tear in his right triceps.

Sefko: As Dallas looks to solve its problems, undermanned Raptors have it worse | SportsDayDFW

And don’t fret too much. Help is on the way. Not in Dirk Nowitzki’s return, but in the form of the Toronto Raptors, who are depleted with injuries to Andrea Bargnani, Kyle Lowry, Landry Fields and Linas Kleiza. That’s four of their rotation players, which should make things a little easier for the Mavericks on Friday.

Away game a homey stop for Dallas Mavericks’ Vince Carter | Star-Telegram

From 1998-2004, Carter was the pride of Toronto as he led the Raptors to their first three playoff appearances. Carter wowed the crowd with his incredible leaping ability that earned him the nicknames Air Canada, Vinsanity and Half-Man Half-Amazing.

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