The engineer behind the Toronto Raptors’ overhauled 2015-16 defense is gone.
Andy Greer is leaving the Raptors to become Tom Thibodeau’s lead assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
The Raptors brought Greer in to serve as one of head coach Dwane Casey’s primary assistants last season and were believed to have a team option on him for 2016-17, but coaching contracts often have flexibility and clauses that allow for departure, particularly if it’s a promotion (and Greer becoming the top assistant likely qualifies here). Prior to landing in Toronto, Greer had served as an assistant under Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls from 2010 to 2015. Greer was also a scout with the Portland Trail Blazers at one point, was an assistant for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks, and served as an assistant or head coach at the college level from 1983 to 2001.
The 53-year-old was considered a core piece of Casey’s staff and a major influence in bringing a more modern, Thibodeau-style defense to Toronto. The Raptors jumped from 24th to 11th in defensive efficiency last season as they looked to drop back in the pick-and-roll more rather than hedging hard, ICEing side pick-and-rolls more, and generally playing a more conservative style that suited their personnel, particularly center Jonas Valanciunas, a little better.
The loss of Greer hurts – the Raptors tried to retain him – but a lot of what Greer helped install will remain. Casey, who just received a three-year extension, has shown a willingness to adapt and lean on assistants, and it’s not as if Greer’s defensive imprint is intellectual property he can prevent the Raptors from hanging on to. Without Greer, Casey’s primary assistants stand as Nick Nurse and Rex Kalamian. With Jesse Mermuys off to the Los Angeles Lakers, Jama Mahlalela could be in line for a move to a head coaching position with Raptors 905 (not a certainty with David Gale also in the wings in Mississauga), and if he does, the Raptors will need to supplement their bench at some point.
