The Toronto Raptors made major changes this summer with Dwane Casey now coaching the Pistons and DeMar DeRozan playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Those two were the biggest casualties of the offseason for Toronto, a team that needed some kind of change. Nick Nurse takes over for Casey as head coach and DeRozan was the centerpiece of a deal for Kawhi Leonard.
Casey and DeRozan were successful in Toronto. The duo went to the playoffs five straight seasons, but they became known for their playoff flameouts. Casey and DeRozan had the opportunity to catch up after the wild offseason.
“We had dinner in San Antonio earlier this month,” Casey told Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star, speaking of DeRozan. “Had a great time with DeMar and his fiancée and their two beautiful daughters. Caught up on old times. Lot of laughs. Little bit of crying.”
Casey and DeRozan left Toronto unceremoniously, but both are in good situations with their new teams. Casey has a team with playoff aspirations and a bonafide All-Star in Blake Griffin.
DeRozan, on the other hand, is joining a Spurs team that has advanced to the playoffs 21 straight times. That ridiculous streak is due in large part to Gregg Popovich. Pop is one of the best coaches in the history of the game and perhaps he can unlock something in DeRozan's game.
DeRozan's playoff failures are one of the defining legacies of his career thus far. A change of scenery could be exactly what DeRozan needs to overcome his playoff struggles.
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