The Toronto Raptors have narrowed their options to be the team's next head coach down to Boston Celtics assistant Lawrence Frank and Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey, reports Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. The Raptors fired Jay Triano last week after two-plus seasons in charge; Triano will now serve under GM Bryan Colangelo in the front office.
Raptors List Dwane Casey, Lawrence Frank To Finalists For Coach Job, According To Report
Casey’s candidacy is complicated by the Mavericks’ NBA Finals run. Smith reports that the Raptors would like to have a coach in place before the June 23 NBA Draft, where Toronto has the No. 5 pick and a very interesting choice to make. But the team also seems committed to giving Casey a full airing as a finalist, which is good, because Casey is among the best candidates for any job.
Frank coached the New Jersey Nets before leaving the franchise amid a record-breaking losing streak to open the 2009-10 season. He caught on with the Celtics after Tom Thibodeau left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Both Frank and Casey are considered defensive-minded coaches. Toronto has finished dead last in the NBA in defense each of the past two seasons.
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