Dwane Casey Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Raptors Expected To Retain Bryan Colangelo

May 12th, 2013 at 8:32am CST by Chuck Myron

The Raptors are expected to pick up their 2013/14 option on GM Bryan Colangelo's contract, reports Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun, who hears the decision will be made official as early as Monday. It seemed likely when this past season ended that the Raptors would keep Colangelo and coach Dwane Casey, but that was before Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the company that owns the team, hired Tim Leiweke as president and CEO. Leiweke has ties to Phil Jackson and seemed intent on trying to convince the Zen Master to take over the team's basketball operations, a move that would presumably bump Colangelo from the picture.

Colangelo has said that if he's back, Casey would be, too. News on the fate of both men's jobs appeared imminent after Colangelo was scheduled to meet with Raptors brass this past Tuesday. Zicarelli argues that the task of turning around the Raptors is immense, and no one could make it happen overnight. With the Chicago pre-draft camp set for this week, Zicarelli opines, it makes sense to keep the man who's been in charge rather than waste time while a new GM become acclimated to the job. The Raptors will probably discuss possible trades involving Andrea Bargnani with executives from other teams at this week's pre-draft camp, according to Zicarelli.

While Casey, whose contract is guaranteed for next season, appears safe, it seems likely there will be changes to his staff. The Raptors have asked the Celtics for permission to speak with assistant coach Tyronn Lue, while the fate of Johnny Davis, a longtime right-hand man for Casey, is uncertain.

Decisions On Colangelo, Casey Expected Soon

May 6th, 2013 at 10:45am CST by Luke Adams

It's been nearly three weeks since the Raptors played their last game of the 2012/13 season, but the futures of general manager Bryan Colangelo and head coach Dwane Casey are still up in the air. Both men figure to receive some clarity this week, however, as Colangelo is scheduled to meet tomorrow with the team's decision-makers, according to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun (via Twitter).

Both Wolstat and Doug Smith of the Toronto Star note that the team has been silent over the last couple weeks, particularly in regard to Colangelo's and Casey's futures. However, Wolstat tweets that a decision is expected to come shortly after tomorrow's meeting, while Smith says it should happen at some point this week.

Casey has one more guaranteed year remaining on his contract, and the Raptors have a team option on Colangelo for '13/14. Although the belief at season's end was that both Colangelo and Casey would get one last chance to make the Raps a playoff team next season, MLSE's hiring of Tim Leiweke as president and CEO complicated matters. Leiweke has a strong relationship with Phil Jackson, which has led to reports that Toronto is pursuing Jackson with the intent of offering him control of the Raptors' basketball operations.

Colangelo has been the head of the Raptors' basketball ops since February of 2006, while Casey has coached the team to a 57-91 record over the course of his two seasons in Toronto. Colangelo stated after the season that if his '13/14 option was exercised by the Raps, Casey would return as the team's head coach.

Raptors Likely To Retain Colangelo, Casey

April 22nd, 2013 at 10:49pm CST by Chuck Myron

Sources tell Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun that there has been "no appetite" among the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment board, which controls the Raptors, to replace either GM Bryan Colangelo or coach Dwane Casey. The team has appeared to have been leaning toward keeping both, and Colangelo said today that if the Raptors pick up his option for next season, Casey will be back as well.

The Raptors finished tied for ninth place in the Eastern Conference this year, at 34-48, and participated in the most significant in-season trade of 2012/13, acquiring Rudy Gay in a three-team deal that sent away Jose Calderon. The move leaves the team close to luxury-tax territory for next season, and Colangelo is reportedly likely to offer Gay, who's never been an All-Star, an extension to his five-year, $82.3MM contract. The team played .500 ball after the Gay trade, and benefitted down the stretch from the improved play of rookie center Jonas Valanciunas, who averaged 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in 31.6 minutes during April.

Toronto was without the injured Andrea Bargnani for much of the season, though Wolstat takes Colangelo to task for his continued trust in the Italian big man. Colangelo came on board in 2006, and made Bargnani the first overall pick in the draft that year, passing up power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, the No. 2 pick. Colangelo said today that a trade may be in the best interests of Bargnani and the Raptors, but sources tell Wolstat that Toronto would have to include an asset to entice teams to take on the final two years and $22.25MM on Bargnani's contract.

Raptors GM On Casey, Bargnani, Draft, Lowry

April 22nd, 2013 at 11:43am CST by Luke Adams

Raptors head coach Dwane Casey and GM Bryan Colangelo spoke to reporters in Toronto today, answering questions about the 2012/13 season and looking ahead to the offseason. Although neither Casey nor Colangelo are locks to remain in their current roles through the summer, it appears the Raps are leaning toward retaining both. Colangelo addressed a few topics of note today, and Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun rounded them up, via Twitter. Let's dive in….

Assuming Colangelo's 2013/14 option is picked up by the Raptors, Casey will also be back as the club's coach for next season, according to the GM.
There are no updates on a potential Andrea Bargnani deal, which isn't surprising, considering this isn't generally the time of year when trade talks happen. However, Colangelo says a change of scenery has been discussed with Bargnani's agent, and may be in everyone's best interests.
After adding three rookies last season, the Raptors likely won't have a first-round draft pick this season, as it appears headed for Oklahoma City. That's okay with Colangelo, who suggested this year's class is low on star power.
Casey talked today about returning to a defense-first approach next season, and Wolstat questions if the roster is built for that style of play. Colangelo doesn't believe the current roster is a bad fit for Casey's philosophy.
After undergoing a sports hernia surgery last summer, Kyle Lowry never seemed completely "right" this season, according to Colangelo, who says the point guard will have to come to camp in the fall ready to go. Lowry's contract for next season isn't fully guaranteed, but it appears there's no question he'll be back.

Coaching Rumors: Suns, Pistons, Raps, Sixers

April 18th, 2013 at 11:10am CST by Luke Adams

Two teams have already made coaching changes today, as the Cavaliers parted ways with Byron Scott and the Sixers announced that Doug Collins won't be returning as head coach. There could be a few more spins on the coaching carousel before the day is done, so let's round up the latest….

ESPN.com's Marc Stein gets the sense that the Suns will take their time to make a decision on the future of coach Lindsey Hunter, who is not assured of returning (Twitter link). According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, Hunter didn't fare well in his end-of-season player evaluations — "players don't want him back," one source tells Berger.
It sounds as if Lawrence Frank is on the way out in Detroit, but he won't officially learn his fate until he meets with Pistons owner Tom Gores today, tweets Stein. Berger hears that one reason Frank wants his fourth-year option picked up if the team brings him back for a third year is that his wife has been ill, so he's reluctant to make a commitment to Detroit if the club isn't committed long-term to him.
The situation with Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman figures to take a couple weeks to be resolved, according to Berger.
Berger adds that Dwane Casey's job with the Raptors appears to be safe for now.
Although he acknowledges that the Sixers could replace Collins internally, John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer expects the team to interview several coaching candidates, including perhaps Mike Brown, Nate McMillan, Stan Van Gundy, Brian Shaw, and Michael Malone.
Tom Sorenson of the Charlotte Observer is at a loss in trying to determine whether or not the Bobcats should bring back head coach Mike Dunlap for next season.
According to GM Chris Grant, the Cavaliers' search for a new coach will begin immediately (Twitter link via Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio).

Odds & Ends: Jeffries, Coaches, Kahn, Raptors

April 17th, 2013 at 11:24pm CST by Chuck Myron

Blazers owner Paul Allen spoke to reporters this evening about the offseason for his team, which begins tomorrow, and it seems one decision will have to be made fairly quickly. Jared Jeffries is under contract for the next two seasons, but neither is guaranteed. Next season would become guaranteed if he's not waived by the fifth day following Portland's final game this season, according to Mark Deeks of ShamSports. Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com believes it's likely that Jeffries won't be back, judging by the 31-year-old's lack of playing time this season, so it appears the Blazers could be cutting him loose soon. Jeffries wants to remain in the NBA next season, however, and tells Haynes that he'll be looking for more playing time wherever he winds up.

As we wait to learn the fate of Jeffries and others as the offseason begins for nearly half the league, there's plenty more NBA news:

Sam Amick of USA Today examines which coaches are most likely to be out of work soon, placing Mike Dunlap among those in the greatest danger of losing their jobs, along with Keith Smart, Byron Scott and Lawrence Frank. He also suggests that if Rick Adelman returns to the Wolves, GM David Kahn will as well, but if the coach isn't back, Kahn may be on the outs, too.
Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo insists to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun that he never tried to fire coach Dwane Casey this season, as Simmons had previously reported.
Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, speaking with the team's broadcasters during tonight's game, said retaining unrestricted free agent Martell Webster will be key, confirming a pair of recent reports. CSNWashington.com has the video, in which Leonsis also expresses a desire to keep John Wall long-term.
Executives around the league who spoke to Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game are widely split on how much O.J. Mayo could command if he turns down his $4.2MM option for next season. Some figure he can't expect much of a raise, and others believe he could easily make $10MM-$12MM (Sulia link).
Point guard Josiah Turner, who played professionally in Canada this year after leaving the University of Arizona, will enter the draft, a source tells Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link). Neither DraftExpress nor ESPN.com rate Turner as a top 100 prospect.

Eastern Links: Randolph, Jay-Z, Maxiell, Casey

April 9th, 2013 at 3:52pm CST by Luke Adams

After a very productive year in China, Shavlik Randolph is playing some of the best ball of his NBA career for the Celtics, but as he tells Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, he's not about to take his current role for granted.

"I’m not the kind of player who can even think about relaxing," Randolph said. "I’m not really gifted enough or talented enough to relax and still go out there and perform. Some guys are, but I’m not. And, look, this can all change in any game. Washington played big (in Sunday’s win by the Celtics), so we needed size. Maybe that got me more time. But I’m going to be ready whatever my role is."

Here's more from around the Eastern Conference:

Jay-Z has begun the process of selling his small share of the Nets in order to be able to become a certified NBA agent, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. According to Wojnarowski, rival agents are anxious about the rapper's ability to attract top prospects and current stars, given his cultural standing.
With Jason Maxiell facing unrestricted free agency this summer, Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press suggests that the forward has likely played his last game with the Pistons. Maxiell, an eight-year veteran, has spent his entire NBA career with the club.
One of basketball's newest Hall-of-Famers, Gary Payton, tells Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun that he thinks it's unfair to consider Raptors head coach Dwane Casey as on the hot seat. "I think he shouldn’t be under fire, but that’s just the way business goes," Payton said. "I think he understands that and I think he’ll be fine. Give him one more year, ’til you let Rudy [Gay] be there for a whole year and see what happens."
In his latest piece for the Sporting News, Sean Deveney names the Bucks, Hawks, and Cavaliers as a few teams that could be hunting for a new head coach this summer.
Writing for SheridanHoops.com, Jon Pastuszek of NiuBBall.com wonders if Yi Jianlian could help a playoff-bound NBA team, listing the Celtics, Pacers, and Knicks among the potential fits.

Atlantic Notes: Stoudemire, Ross, Raptors

December 22nd, 2012 at 9:24pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Despite the Knicks' early season success, one important question revolves around how Amare Stoudemire will integrate himself within the team's current chemistry once he is finally ready to return from injury. With that in mind, the answer to that question will have to be put on hold a little bit longer, as Al Iannazzone of Newsday writes that Stoudemire isn't quite ready to participate in games just yet. Coach Mike Woodson, who met with his forward earlier today, said that he'd like to see Amare go through more practice time and gave the impression that a return during the team's three-game road trip was unlikely. Here's the rest of what we've heard out of the Atlantic Division tonight:

Certain players who will have an important role in how well Amare will fit in, namely Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd, appear ready for the challenge and confident about their ability to make things work, says Iannazone.
Among the brighter spots of the Raptors' five game winning streak is Terrence Ross, who coach Dwane Casey insists is earning minutes out of merit rather than an attempt to develop him (Doug Smith of TheStar.com reports).
Mike Ganter of the Toronto Sun says that despite the team's hot streak, Casey has tempered the hoopla surrounding the team and remains focused on the work that still needs to be done. Also, Ganter discusses Aaron Gray's role as a viable stopgap at center while Jonas Valanciunas is out with an injury.
Ronnie Brewer has seen nearly a 33% drop in his three point percentages this month compared to November, though Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York writes that his shooting struggles aren't related to any lingering effects from the knee injury he suffered before the season started.

Atantic Notes: Casey, Teletovic, Meeks

December 16th, 2012 at 3:02pm CST by Sean Highkin

The latest news and notes from around the Atlantic Division on Sunday afternoon:

Despite rumors that Dwane Casey's job is in jeopardy, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star backs the Raptors coach and notes that perception around the league is generally optimistic about Casey and the team's future.
Mirza Teletovic was used to being the focal point of his team in Europe, so it's been a challenge for him to adjust to being on the end of the Nets' bench this season, as Newsday's Roderick Boone chronicles.
Mark Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer talks to Lakers guard Jodie Meeks, who reflects on the 76ers organization where he spent the first three seasons of his career as his new team prepares to play his former one.
Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com reports that Iman Shumpert and Amare Stoudemire are making progress toward returning to the Knicks.

Odds & Ends: Knicks, Harden, Terry, Draft

December 12th, 2012 at 10:57pm CST by Sean Highkin

The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Wednesday night:

Al Iannazzone of Newsday.com writes that Mike Woodson has been more successful at coaching Carmelo Anthony than Mike D'Antoni was.
James Harden was indifferent in his reaction to reports that the Wizards had rejected an offer from the Thunder to send him to Washington.
Jason Terry did not rule out a return to the Mavericks later in his career, writes Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com.
ESPN.com's Chad Ford took a variety of questions from fans relating to the 2013 NBA Draft in a live chat.
SNY.com's Adam Zagoria reports that Jabari Parker, the second-rated prospect of the 2014 Draft, is down to Duke and Michigan State in his choice of colleges.
Chris Broussard of ESPN.com reports that John Wall will have his knee re-examined on Friday.
Sam Amico of FoxSportsOhio.com writes that youth is not an excuse for the Cavs' poor play.
D.J. Augustin has been a disappointment since signing with the Pacers this summer.
Sean Michael Meager of the Oregonian has an interview with Trail Blazers rookie Will Barton about his recent D-League assignment and the adjustment from college to the NBA.
Brandon Jennings was perhaps the best player up for a rookie-scale extension who didn't get one, but he's drawing comparisons to Chris Paul and Mike Conley from Bucks coach Scott Skiles for his play this season, as Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel documents.
Stephen Curry is feeling happy with his level of play this season and is not disappointed with his contract extension, he tells Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.