LDN - Sports

NBA notebook: Raptors part ways with coach Casey

[May 12, 2018] Dwane Casey's run with the Toronto Raptors is over after seven seasons, the team announced Friday.

During an afternoon news conference, Raptors president Masai Ujiri showed some emotion in explaining just how difficult the decision was for him. In a statement announcing Casey's release earlier in the day, Ujiri said:

"After careful consideration, I have decided this is a very difficult but necessary step the franchise must take. As a team, we are constantly trying to grow and improve in order to get to the next level. We celebrate everything Dwane has done for the organization, we thank him, and we wish him nothing but the best in future. He was instrumental in creating the identity and culture of who we are as a team, and we are so proud of that."

The Raptors won a franchise-record 59 games this season to earn the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but a sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round had Casey rumored to be on the hot seat. The 61-year-old leaves as the winningest coach in franchise history, with the team going 320-238 under his watch.

--The Atlanta Hawks announced an agreement with Philadelphia 76ers assistant Lloyd Pierce to become the team's new head coach.

Pierce, whose focus was on the defense with Philadelphia, has been with the Sixers since 2013 following stints with Golden State, Memphis and Cleveland. The 76ers ranked third in defensive rating this season.

Atlanta's opening at head coach came after it mutually parted ways with Mike Budenholzer in late April. The team has three first-round picks in the upcoming NBA draft.

--While the Golden State Warriors gear up for a Western Conference finals showdown with the Houston Rockets, the front office maintains an eye on keeping its core together well into the future.

[to top of second column]

And at least one player is reportedly looking to help make that happen, even if it costs him millions.

The Athletic's Marcus Thompson II reported the team and star guard Klay Thompson have engaged in discussions on a contract that would keep him in Oakland for at least another five years. But it would also come at a discount that could help the club retain Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry for years as well, according to the report.

--Cincinnati junior guard Jacob Evans told Yahoo Sports he will remain in the NBA draft and forgo his final year of college eligibility.

"The NBA is a lifelong dream and I am making every day count to make the most of it," Evans told Yahoo. "I'm excited about the feedback that I have received in this process so far. I can't wait to lace up my kicks in Chicago and show all of the teams what I can do."

Chicago is the site of the draft combine, which begins Wednesday and runs through May 20. The 6-foot-6 Evans averaged 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists as the Bearcats went 31-5 and earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

--Field Level Media

Back to top