The finalists for key NBA awards were announced on Wednesday, with some surprising names making the final lists – including Casey.
Casey was sacked by the Raptors following their series sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, having guided Toronto to a franchise-record 59 regular-season wins and the top seed.
Rookie of the Year and MVP seem like the most compelling races this year, with Philadelphia 76ers guard Simmons and Cavs superstar James among the contenders for the respective awards.
Simmons averaged 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists as the 76ers reached the Eastern Conference semis, while James is averaging 33.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.2 assists in the playoffs for the Cavs – who trail the Boston Celtics 2-0 in the conference finals.
Rookie of the Year
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ersDonovan Mitchell, Utah JazzJayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Most Improved Player
Victor Oladipo, Indiana PacersClint Capela, Houston RocketsSpencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets
Sixth Man
Lou Williams, Los Angeles ClippersEric Gordon, Houston RocketsFred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
Coach of the Year
Dwane Casey, Toronto RaptorsBrad Stevens, Boston CelticsQuin Snyder, Utah Jazz
Defensive Player of the Year
Anthony Davis, New Orleans PelicansJoel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ersRudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
MVP
Anthony Davis, New Orleans PelicansJames Harden, Houston RocketsLeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
0 votes
