The Raptors have exercised their third-year option on coach Dwane Casey, GM Bryan Colangelo announced today (link via the team's Twitter). Casey, who just finished his first year in Toronto, was already under contract for 2012/13, so the option exercised is for the 2013/14 season.
In his first year as the Raptors' coach, Casey led the team to just a 23-43 record, but the club made noticeable steps forward, particularly on defense. The Raptors were a top-ten team in opponents' PPG and ranked 12th in the NBA in defensive efficiency, behind 11 playoff squads. Given the job Casey did with the roster he had, the decision to exercise his option was a good one, and not a surprise.
"Dwane did a terrific job this year of adhering to our plan of growth and development for this young team," Colangelo said, in a team release. "We set out to change the culture and improve defensively and he orchestrated both progressions in an impressive fashion."
Colangelo also has a contract option for 2013/14, but the Raptors have yet to make a formal decision on it.
Great to hear as a Raps fan!
Not sure about how much DeRozan and Ed Davis progressed, but I don’t blame him… overall, great job…