5 candidates to replace Dwane Casey Toronto Raptors coach

5 candidates to replace Dwane Casey as Toronto Raptors coach

TORONTO, ON - MAY 03: Head Coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors applauds in the second half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Marina Kobzeva-Getty Images /

1. David Blatt

Blatt got a raw deal when he was fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers midway through the 2015-16 season with a 30-11 record, as LeBron James angled to get “his guy” Tyronn Lue in place as head coach. In his only full season as Cavaliers’ coach, he went 53-29 during the regular season with an NBA Finals appearance in 2015.

Blatt added to his great resume as a head coach overseas this year, leading a team in Turkey to a Eurocup title. He has said he wants another chance to coach in the NBA pretty badly, and he was on the list of candidates for the New York Knicks before David Fizdale was hired recently.

Blatt has mostly been a peripheral candidate for openings in this hiring cycle thus far, and he’s reportedly set to interview with the Milwaukee Bucks soon. The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons may ramp up their interest in Blatt too, if they have any.

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The Cavaliers’ squad Blatt was hired to coach was far different from the one he got when James decided to return to Cleveland. The Raptors are not the kind of young team that’s seen as the best fit for Blatt, but he could be the right guy to bring a fresh perspective.

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