The Toronto Raptors announced Friday that they have picked up an option to extend head coach Dwane Casey's tenure through 2014. From the release:
“Dwane did a terrific job this year of adhering to our plan of growth and development for this young team," said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo. "We set out to change the culture and improve defensively and he orchestrated both progressions in an impressive fashion."Under Casey the Raptors' points allowed per 100 possessions dropped from 110 to 101.5, a huge differential, and their field goal percentage allowed dropped from 48.2 to 43.5 percent. The Raptors struggled throughout the year due to an inconsistent offense largely because of the injury absence of Andrea Bargnani who finally seemed like he "got it" under Casey.
It's no wonder the Raptors decided to reward him with an extra year. Casey's team was prepared to play ever night, gave good effort, and built a foundation to carry them forward. It'll be interesting to see where the team goes next year with a lottery pick and Jonas Valanciunas aboard.
