Casey is hired by Pistons

DETROIT — Dwane Casey lost his job in Toronto because the Raptors wanted to advance further in the playoffs.

In Detroit, it would be an accomplishment if Casey could simply get the Pistons into the playoffs.

The Pistons hired the NBA coach of the year finalist Monday, hoping he can help the three-time NBA championship franchise regularly reach the postseason and eventually compete again for titles.

A month after being fired by the Raptors , Casey agreed to a five-year deal to become head coach of the Pistons.

Casey led Toronto to a teamrecord 59 wins this year and helped the franchise earn the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time, a performance that won him coach of the year honors from his peers. He had one year remaining on a threeyear, $18 million dollar extension when he was fired shortly after Toronto was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers.