Is The Toronto Raptors First ‘Drake’ Jersey On Its Way? | Uproxx
The FADER, per ESPN’s earlier story, reports that a black-and-gold uniform will be one of the alleged four permutations for the Raptors’ complete redesign next season. The colorings make sense since they match most of Drake’s OVO merchandise offerings. Outside that, they’re relatively bland—no funky accents or designs decorate them. But Drizzy fans should temper their excitement for the time being. The FADER’s article cites ESPN report as the source for the news; however, Paul Lukas’ report (taking some of its information from leaks that first surfaced on SportsLogos.net in February) never explicitly states these are Drake unis — only the fact that the Raptors’ kits will undergo a complete redesign.
It seemed as if Ujiri was setting things up so that he could replace Casey with his own coach. It is hard to think of any great coach-general manager combinations that were the result of inheritance rather than choice. Yet, Ujiri is open-minded — in his first interview with the National Post after taking the Raptors job, he mentioned how Denver reporters and columnists were constantly speculating that he would fire incumbent coach George Karl, which ultimately did not happen on his watch — and Casey is a survivor. Ujiri made the franchise-altering Rudy Gay trade, the Raptors came together, Casey led them to top-10 efficiency on both ends, and the team won its second division title in history. After last season, Ujiri gave Casey a new two-year contract, with a team option for a third. Now, Casey is back in his position of two seasons ago. With Tuesday evening’s reports that Ujiri will bring Casey back, pushing for some changes to the coaching staff, Casey will almost surely need to surpass expectations, whatever they wind up being following Ujiri’s off-season maneuvering, to last beyond next season. He has done it before, so do not bet against him. Stasis will not be good enough. That is clear.
Raptors bringing back Dwane Casey as head coach | Toronto Sun
As multiple reports have indicated, there has been discussion about shaking up a staff that includes Bill Bayno, Nick Nurse, Tom Sterner, Jesse Mermuys and Jama Mahlalela (director of sports science Alex McKechnie also is an assistant coach), but what is not being said out loud is that nothing has yet been finalized and maintaining the status quo is also a possibility. Casey has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract, plus a team option. Two years ago, after Casey’s second season at the helm, Sterner was the lone holdover of the original staff as Casey’s good friend and lead assistant Johnny Davis did not have his contract renewed. Micah Nori, Eric Hughes and Scott Roth also moved on. Not long after that, Nurse was brought on board to direct the offence, Bayno and Mermuys followed, primarily in player development roles (Bayno worked closely with Jonas Valanciunas, who took major strides, but still needs time) and Mahlalela was promoted to assistant coach.
Raptors smartly halt coaching carousel | Sportsnet.ca
I’m not convinced Casey is the man to lead the Raptors to a title. And given Ujiri’s noncommittal stance at the year-end press availability (“everyone will be evaluated”) it sounds like neither is he. I am convinced, however, that the way this season ended does not provide enough data to make that decision. The truth is, Casey was coaching a squad featuring injury-laden top-end talent, and the total talent level of the roster wasn’t anywhere near with the top teams in the league. What were the realistic expectations? The answers to coaching questions aren’t black or white—they’re grey. And it’s in the grey where GMs earn their money, discerning which numbers are fool’s gold and which are golden nuggets.
Raptors looking to tweak coaching staff | Toronto Star
The sources did not indicate who Toronto might be pursuing or which assistants may be quietly seeking new opportunities. It was expected general manager Masai Ujiri would be looking for an older, more experience aide to Casey, who would have to sign off on any changes before they take place. There was never a legitimate chance that Casey, who has led the Raptors to successive Atlantic Division titles, the best back-to-back seasons in franchise history and consecutive playoff appearances, wouldn’t be back for his fifth season as the team’s head coach.
Report: Raptors coach Dwane Casey will return, staff might not | CBSSports.com
It’s fair to assume that, with Casey returning, general manager Masai Ujiri will try to shake up the roster. Williams, beloved big man Amir Johnson and several bench players are hitting free agency in July. While Ujiri has shown plenty of patience with team-building, it would be quite a surprise if he brought the whole band back again.
Feschuk: Lowry has to prove he can lead amid adversity | TSN
Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk joins Macko and Cauz to touch on Dwane Casey’s reported return, and the questions surrounding Kyle Lowry.
Feschuk: Masai seriously considering tanking next season, trading Lowry | RealGM
Masai told me he may have to take a step back (lottery) next season in order to get better long term
2015 NBA Draft Combine Prospects the Toronto Raptors Must Watch Closely | Bleacher Report
With so much uncertainty surrounding the roster and how it will take shape in 2015-16, Ujiri would be wise in avoiding drafting another long-term project for the end of his bench. Brazilian Bruno Caboclo, who was taken at No. 20 last year and proclaimed to be “two years away from being two years away” by ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla, fills that quota nicely. What the Raptors need is someone who can step in right away and fill a role, whether it be as a defense-stopper, rim protector or rebounder—areas the team noticeably struggled in.
I can haz yo linkz??! rapsfan@raptorsrepublic.com
