http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/2012 ... o_raptors/
The vibe at the Air Canada Centre on Thursday morning after the conclusion of the Toronto Raptors practice was an odd one. With the team sitting at 4-19, there is a feeling that something is about to happen. Tension was in the air and words were carefully considered before being spoken.
According to multiple sources, a meeting of the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment board took place on Thursday to discuss the state of the team.
It remains unknown what was discussed, who called it or whether the meeting was pre-scheduled. One team source described it as "a quick update" and that it involved team President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo giving the board a briefing on where the team currently stands.
With both coach Dwane Casey and general manager Bryan Colangelo taking heat over the Raptors disappointing start, some veteran Raptors players voiced their support for Casey and the job he has done with the team through their rough start to this season.
DeRozan would prefer that the pace of change slowed dramatically, especially when it comes to Casey.
“It’s important because it’s tough going coach to coach,” DeRozan said. “It was tough last year. Even though we did well on the defensive end, you still struggle at parts. You’re still learning. [Casey] is definitely good for us.”
"He’s definitely been on us, but one thing he has been trying to [do is] keep us positive out of everything" DeRozan said. “It’s easy to do whatever, to throw in the towel and not still be able to fight. Like [Wednesday night against Brooklyn], we had every excuse in the world. We could have went out and laid down, but [we did not]. Just keeping us positive and keeping us working hard.”
Casey was at the centre of a team meeting after last Friday’s blowout loss in Utah.
“A lot was said between us and only we can say that to each other,” DeRozan said. “Other times when you have meetings it’s kind of a team meeting or something, that’s self explanatory. What we had in Utah, that was between us, like a family.”
That DeRozan still has faith and trust in his coach is clear. Little else is.
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/12/ ... um=twitter
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Was a case of ownership getting up to speed on state of team after tough start. Not a formal review for Colangelo. #RTZ #NBA
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Talking to several sources, timing of meeting with MLSE board coincided with previously scheduled holiday function. #RTZ