Blame game hits overdrive.
In addition to Bill Bayno, Tom Sterner has been let go from Dwane Casey's Raptors staff, league source tells @CBSSports.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) May 19, 2015
So it’s not just Bill Bayno that has taken the fall, but fan favorite Tom Sterner as well. Let’s not beat around the bush here, Sterner was well-liked for being a great halftime interview, here’s him imposing his will on you:
https://vine.co/v/O0OVea9l13u
Here’s a “milder” interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h2VgkMBGjs
When the Raptors purged their assistant coaching staff two years ago, Sterner retained his position, but this time he wasn’t so lucky. I’m really not clear on what his exact role was with the Raptors, and his dismissal along with Bayno’s giving the impression that the Raptors are “cleaning house”, when we all know these are just cosmetic changes.
Not many documented quotes by Sterner over the years, but here’s one where he’s talking about something which might give you some insight as to what he does.
“We’re trying to get our guards to come back and provide support before they take off,” Sterner said. “We’re going to make sure we get defensive rebounds and then run.”
Part of the reason why the Raptors feel more comfortable getting more aggressive offensively is because of the improvements DeRozan and Ross have made handling the ball.
Ross has looked considerably better on the break and with taking his man off of the dribble and DeRozan has also looked extremely dangerous, which was definitely not the case in the past.
“His commitment to being the best player that he can, he’s now benefiting from all of the hard work,” Sterner said of DeRozan.
Or maybe not.
Also, apparently he wasn’t the high-wire act in-person:
Tom Sterner, when he’s around us is entirely normal; not anywhere close to the amped-up halftime guy who acts like he just washed down a handful of Black Beauties with a can or two of Red Bull.
Good luck to Sterner, who was the with the Raptors for four years.
