Whether he'll be coaching the Raptors next season is another story altogether.
"The Michael H Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award for the top NBA Coach as voted by his peers is one of the most meaningful in all of pro sports," Dallas Mavericks head coach and NBCA president Rick Carlisle said.
"Dwane Casey once again maximized the Toronto roster to achieve the top record in the Eastern Conference. Congratulations to Dwane on this prestigious recognition."
The Raptors won a franchise-record 59 games this season, but a sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round has Casey rumored to be on the hot seat. The 61-year-old has led the Raptors to the playoffs the past five seasons, though the repeated failures have begun adding up.
The Raptors battled past the Wizards in six games, setting up a matchup with LeBron James' Cavaliers for the third postseason in a row. The result was more of the same, as the sweep marked the second straight year the Cavs took four straight from the Raptors without losing in the semifinals. Toronto won two games in losing to Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals in 2016.
On Wednesday, Casey reacted to the rumors.
"It's part of the business," Casey told reporters. "I'm a big boy. I've been through it. I know what we've accomplished and how the basketball world respects what we're doing. It's part of the territory. I accept it. I'm not running from it. ... I'm an easy target ... I don't feel sorry for myself, let's put it that way. "
He also said he's not looking for a vote of confidence from team president Masai Ujiri.
"I've read all the articles, texts, all this stuff. I understand what's been said. I'm not in the dark, but I'm not looking for a vote of confidence because I haven't heard anything different," Casey said.
Ujiri praised Casey, but said he'll do a full review before deciding on the coach's and franchise's future.
"I believe in Dwane Casey, I believe in the work he's done, it's not different than anything I've said last year," Ujiri said. "I'm looking at everything, negative and positive and how it all comes together," Ujiri said.
Casey received rave reviews from his star players.
"For me, Coach, we've had our trials and tribulations," Kyle Lowry said. "I wouldn't ever be what I've become without him as my coach. I always believe in him. I believe he's one of the best coaches out there."
DeMar DeRozan added, "A lot of my success, all of my success, I have to credit Casey. No matter what, I'm always going to have the utmost respect when it comes to Coach Casey, without a doubt."
Casey also figured to be a candidate for the NBA's official Coach of the Year award (voted on by media members, not coaches), which will be revealed on June 25.
