Toronto Raptors: 5 candidates to replace Dwane Casey as head coach

5. Rex Kalamian

Raptors assistant and defensive coordinator Rex Kalamian is one of the names that quickly came about as Dwane Casey’s potential replacement. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Kalaman, as well as fellow Toronto assistant Nick Nurse, will interview with the team on Tuesday. Kalamian isn’t a household name for most basketball fans, but he still has plenty of sideline experience in the NBA.

The Los Angeles native has worked in the NBA, either as a scout or assistant coach, since 1992. He has worked for seven different franchises under well-known coaches such as Bill Fitch, Alvin Gentry and George Karl. Kalamian was also an assistant under Dwane Casey during his two-year tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Kalamian’s profile rose during his time as an assistant during Scott Brooks‘ six seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was part of the staff that went to the 2012 NBA Finals, and was OKC’s lead assistant in his last two years there. The Raptors’ defense has also been the seventh-best over the last three seasons.

The two-time Rising Stars Game coach (2014, 2018) played a big part in improving the Raptors’ defensive scheme upon arriving in 2015. Toronto had the 25th-best defensive rating during the 2014-15 season according to Basketball-Reference, allowing 107.7 points per 100 possessions. Their ranking has improved to seventh-best in Kalamian’s three seasons in Toronto, now allowing 106.3 points per 100 possessions.

Kalamian is a high-ceiling prospect as a head coach. He would be new voice while also bringing continuity to the locker room due to his present connections with current players.