Worst "Casey" Scenario | Rebuild Raptors ??

Veteran Coach Dwane Casey and the Toronto Raptors part ways after 7 seasons. During his tenure as the head Coach Casey led the Raptors to 4 Atlantic Division titles, 5 straight playoff appearances and a conference championship appearance during the 2016 season. Also Coach Casey led their franchise to 3 consecutive 50-plus win seasons, and franchise record 59-win season that earned them a #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Over the years Coach Casey began to take league by notice; NBA coaches have acknowledged the continual growth of the Raptors ball club. The Toronto Raptors had a historical season, which ended in total embarrassment; Raptors got swept to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second consecutive year. LeBron and the Cavs will advance to Eastern Conference finals and play the Boston Celtics; this is a bitter pill to swallow.

Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri notified Coach Casey to inform him that his tenure as the head coach has come to an end. A big part of this decision was attributed to being swept by Cleveland for the second consecutive season. Masai stated the magnitude of his decision and how difficult it was to proceed forward giving the fact of his relationship with Coach Casey; this is the casualty of business. In sports it's always interesting to witness how things are ran from a front office standpoint and in this case it wasn't a surprise for the Toronto Raptors Organization. Someone needs to be held responsible if the ship sinks and for Coach Casey he had to pay the price for his Raptors failures to pass LeBron James and the Cavs.

“What an unbelievable human being, it made it just the hardest thing I’ve done in my life. ”

— Masai Ujiri

The NBCA selected Coach Dwane Casey as a Coach of The Year candidate, the list also includes: Coach Mike D'antino, Coach Brett Brown, Coach Coach Greg Popovich, Coach Quin Synder, & Coach Terry Slots. It's great to witness how Casey's peers within the NBA acknowledge his continual development and efforts toward his ball club. If Dwane Casey wins The Coach of The Year award he would become the second coach in Raptors history joining Sam Mitchell. The media panel will have the opportunity to submit their votes separately that will be announced on June 25th, 2018 and presented at the 2018 NBA Awards show in Los Angeles.

“Dwane Casey once again maximized the Toronto roster to achieve the top record in the Eastern Conference”

— Rick Carlisle (Dallas Mavericks Coach)

“To be honored by your peers is incredibly gratifying, and I am so thankful to my colleagues across the league for this recognition”

— Coach Dwane Casey

In retrospect Coach Casey has been held accountable for the Raptors failures this post season and with demanding pressures of overcoming expectations by the organization its time for the Raptors to try something different; someone needs to pay the price for the continual failures for the ball club. It's devastating to witness the Raptors end their season that looked very promising, now it is back to the drawing boards... Literally! After a thorough evaluation I think it's safe that Coach Dwane Casey and The Raptors have transformed into a "first class program".

“I think the time has come, sometimes these things come to an end, our relationships comes to an end and we’ll figure out a way to move on, a new voice, and just new everything, in terms of that position”

— Masai Ujiri

Going forward Raptors President Masai Ujiri looks to find a new coach in place quickly, some possible candidates includes: former Atlanta Hawks Coach Mike Budenholzer, Raptors 905 Coach Jerry Stackhouse, Raptors assistant Nick Nurse, former New Orleans Coach Monty Williams, and San Antonio assistant Becky Hammon. All are great options for the Raptors as Masai stressed the importance of getting over the hump and bringing a championship to the Raptors organization. It would be nice to witness Raptors 905 Coach Stackhouse share his winning culture and experience with the Toronto Raptors; would be a special moment for our city. Will it a take for a coaching change to fuel the Raptors to get to the promise land?

“Hopefully there’s a smooth transition to that. The new coach will have a style. He’s going to have his own voice. I’m not a coach. I can’t comment too much on that.”

— Masai Ujiri

Dwane Casey has rewritten history for the Toronto Raptors, becoming the most successful Coach in franchise history.  His efforts guided a low-tier ball club to a front-runner in the Eastern Conference. During his tenure Coach Casey held a 320-238 overall record (.573) for the raptors with exponential growth every season.  I could say confidently that Coach Casey will leave a lasting legacy in the NBA and it's only a matter of time for things to start clicking. Maybe Casey will return back to Dallas where he was an intricate piece to their championship title or maybe he will join forces with his hometown team the Indiana Pacers. Will the Toronto Raptors land a great replacement for Coach Casey's departure or will the Raps revert back to their old ways of underachieving as a ball club?

Thanks: Toronto Raptors, TSN, ESPN, NBCA

Figures: Dwane Casey, Masai Ujiri

Welcome Home Meek | Philly Unite

April 24th was a special day for our culture, Philly rapper Meek Mill was released from prison after spending a 5-month sentence for violating his probation. For those who may not know Meek has been a prime example of the unjust criminal system in America, he's been penalized for a probation period that has lasted over 10 years. Meek was incarcerated at 18, years after being released he's been arrested four times for his violations. In 2008 Meek was arrested and sentenced to 2-4 years in prison, but was released in 2009 under a 5-year parole deal. Over the course of 15 years it's safe to say Meek has been targeted unjustly under the criminal justice system in America. Meek has been an important figure to the African-American communities; he's looked at as a successful entertainer, father, and a role model for individuals in the projects. During the time of his sentence Meek spoke with Don Lemon to update him on his status.

“This case been haunting me since I was 18 years old. I caught a case when I was 18 years old. I bettered myself, I paid good deeds to my community, I take good care of my family”

— Meek Mill

On Tuesday afternoon it was publicly announced that Meek Mill was going to be released, the Supreme Court of Philadelphia directed the judge to release him on unsecured bail. Following his release Meek watched the Philadelphia 76ers take down the Miami Heat in their game 5 match-up, Co-Owner Michael Rubin brought in some luck inside the Wells Fargo Arena. Meek Mill got a chance to share the floor in their pre-game introduction ringing the Philly bell It was a sight to see as the city of Philadelphia embraced Meek with open arms. The Sixers are on the brink of a historical run entering this series with a  16-game winning streak; Excited times for the city of Philly.

The 76ers cruised to a 104-91 win over the Heat in Game 5, advancing to the second round for the first time since 2012. Leading the charge was their core Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and J.J. Redick who were outstanding all series. The Heat couldn't stop the firepower of the 76ers, as well as the dominant presence of Meek Mill, who set the tone in Wells Fargo arena with his pre-game ritual. Many questioned the potential of the Sixers due to their lack of durability as a unit, but this year marks a new era in Philly as they solely changed the culture for the Sixers. This win concludes the series as Philly goes up 4-1; they prepare to square off against the winner of the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks Series in the second round. 

“Two years ago we won 10 games, to being in this position I’m just excited. Playing through adversity and after everything that happened to me I’m just blessed”

— Joel Embiid

Heading into the second round of the playoffs The Sixers have the momentum in their favour, but will that be enough the wrath of the dominant Eastern Conference contender? It's great for the NBA to witness the future stars in Embiid, Simmons, and Antetokounmpo as their respective careers continues to evolve; this is a special moment for Philadelphia. Philly has fought through adversity with down periods from their sports team, this year is the golden year for Philadelphia as their Philadelphia Eagles captured a Super bowl title, Villanova Wildcats won their NCAA title, and now the Sixers have a chance to make history. The stage is set and the city support is on another level, it's nostalgic for the fan as they reminisce of the 2001 Sixer run led by Hall of Fame Guard Allen Iverson. The fans of Philly continue to remain optimistic as for their Sixers, they will strive to exceed all expectations and rise to the occasion. Meek Mill presence had an imprint on the Sixers thus far as they hope to receive his continual supporting efforts throughout their playoff hunt. Meek looks to make several contributions to the city of "Brotherly Love" as he looks forward of becoming an advocate for the criminal justice system.

“God made this situation happen, I happen to be a celebrity, I happen to be a public figure and it’s about time that I make my impression and use my power in the right way”

— Meek Mill

Photo by: @cycle.media

Thanks: Philadelphia 76ers, NBA, Meek Mill, Roc Nation, 

Photo by: Cycle.Media (@cycle)