Raptors Head Coach Dwane Casey was firmly placed on the hot seat the second the Raptors lost Game 1 of their first round series against the Indiana Pacers at home.
The Raptors had dealt with playoff letdowns the previous two seasons and looked to potentially be headed down that path again, not being able to win a playoff series in a weaker conference despite winning 56 games during the regular season. They were looking like the Cincinnati Bengals of the NBA.
As the Raptors struggled through yet another 1st round series in which they had home court, many conjectured that Head Coach Dwane Casey would be fired if the Raptors were unable to win a playoff series for the 3rd year in a row.
This was all but confirmed by ESPN’s Zach Lowe who reported that multiple league sources confirm that Casey’s job was on the line against the Pacers.
REPORT: Dwane Casey would've been fired if the Raptors lost in the 1st round. pic.twitter.com/XjSwxAPqRj
— Raptors Nation (@RaptorsNationTO) May 25, 2016
It’s amazing how much can change in a few weeks or days time, Casey went from one loss away from being canned to tied 2-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals with an opportunity to lead his franchise to an NBA Finals and an all but certain massive extension.
It is probably because of his enthusiasm as a virtual 6th defender on the court for the Raptors.
WATCH: Coach Dwane Casey plays defense on @KyrieIrving. #TheStartershttps://t.co/HLvkYSB9a9
— Handles (@HandlesNBATV) May 25, 2016
Either way I think Casey, the organization and its fan are relieved Casey’s job is safe because he has proven to be one of the better coaches in the NBA.
