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Pre-Draft Workouts: June 5th

The Toronto Raptors will begin preparations for the 2014 NBA Draft by holding four pre-draft workouts May 29 and June 3-5. Additional dates will be announced as needed.

The pre-draft workouts will be held on the Raptors’ practice court at Air Canada Centre and will be closed for public viewing. Media will have an opportunity for photos, video footage and player interviews following each session. A member of the Raptors Basketball Operations staff will also be available for comments.

Although he is projected to be taken before the Raptors make their draft pick, guard Tyler Ennis (Syracuse) will highlight Thursday’s session with his first pre-draft workout in his hometown. He was recently named to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman team and was a semi-finalist for the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year Award. Ennis will join a wave of local talent recently selected in the NBA Draft, including Anthony Bennett (1st pick in 2013 by Cleveland), Kelly Olynyk (13th pick in 2013 by Boston), Andrew Nicholson (19th pick in 2012 by Orlando), Tristan Thompson (4th pick in 2011 by Cleveland) and Cory Joseph (29th pick in 2011 by San Antonio).

A full list of participating players will be released in the morning prior to each workout. Players and workout times are subject to change. Please call the Raptors media information line (416) 815-6111 for the latest information.

Toronto earned the 20th overall pick in this year’s draft after finishing the 2013-14 campaign with a team-record 48 wins. The Raptors also have the 37th and 59th picks in the second round. The 2014 NBA Draft will be held June 26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Both rounds will be shown live on TSN and NBA TV Canada beginning at 7 p.m.

raptors-announce-2014-pre-draft-workout-dates

Raptors Announce 2014 Pre-Draft Workout Dates

Toronto Raptors President and General Manager Masai Ujiri announced Tuesday the club and head coach Dwane Casey have agreed in principle on a new three-year contract through the 2016-17 season. Casey guided the Raptors to a team-record 48 victories and an Atlantic Division championship in 2013-14.

“From day one last summer Dwane has done an excellent job both on-and-off the court,” said Ujiri. “There’s been growth from each player on the roster and the team’s identity of toughness and a desire to always compete has clearly been established. “We’re very excited to continue to grow and develop this team with Dwane as our head coach.”

Casey incorporated four new players into the roster following an early December trade and from that point forward led the Raptors to the best mark in the Eastern Conference at 41-22. He directed the club to eight victories in the final 11 games in December and was rewarded with NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month honours. His 2013-14 squad finished in the Top 10 in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage (.450) and points allowed (98.0), and also posted a franchise-best 22 road wins.

“I thank Tim (Leiweke) and Masai for providing me and my staff the platform this season to coach and now to continue the process of developing this young team,” said Casey. “We have taken some big steps toward our goal of installing a culture and a defensive mindset.

“At the same time we realize the challenge ahead in order to complete our quest to build a championship program for the best fans in the NBA!”

In his third season at the helm of the Raptors, Casey continued to oversee the development of a young nucleus. Toronto was the only team this past season with two second-year starters to reach the postseason. Point guard Kyle Lowry established career highs in scoring (17.9) and assists (7.4), guard DeMar DeRozan earned his first All-Star selection, sophomore forward Terrence Ross moved into a starting role in December and increased his scoring average by 5.7 points and second-year centre Jonas Valanciunas led the team in double-doubles (25).

Casey was named head coach of the Raptors on June 21, 2011, just nine days after he helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to the 2011 NBA Championship. He earned his 100th career victory as head coach of the Raptors on April 2 with a 107-103 win versus Houston.

Casey has served as a head coach, associate head coach and assistant coach during his 19 seasons in the NBA.

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Pre-Draft Workouts: June 5th

Raptors Announce 2014 Pre-Draft Workout Dates

Raptors, Casey Agree To Three-Year Deal