The Toronto Raptors have dismissed Dwane Casey after seven years in office. The head coach was ultimately doomed by the renewed failure of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. SPOX has collected the votes for dismissal.
Masai Ujiri (President Toronto Raptors): “After much consideration, I have decided that it is a very difficult but necessary step that the franchise must take. As a team we want to grow and improve constantly to reach the next level. We appreciate what Dwane has done for this organization and wish him only the best for the future. It was essential to the culture we have built here and we are proud of.”
Kyle Lowry (Raptors): “Case is one of the best coaches I have ever had. We didn’t always agree, but he let me do it. He allowed me to be the player I am. So DeMar DeRozan and I became All-Star. Thanks to him, I have grown as a player and as a person. The organization has now made this decision and it is my job to support it.”
Brad Stevens (Head Coach Celtics): “Casey is a role model for many coaches, considering how his players have improved under him.”
Ty Lue (Head Coach Cavs): “What he has done for this team and the culture of this franchise speaks for itself. He is elected Coach of the Year and the next day he is fired. That’s completely insane.”
LeBron James (Cavs): “It’s a pity that he was released after this great season. He’s had so much success in the last three or four years, but I suspect the Toronto officials wanted to see success in the playoffs.”