Ex-Raptors coach Casey candidate for NBA Coach of the Year

Former Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is a finalist for the NBA Coach of the Year award, while LeBron James and Ben Simmons are in the running for honours.

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 76ers

Most Improved Player

Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers

Sixth Man

Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers

Coach of the Year

Dwane Casey, Toronto Raptors

Defensive Player of the Year

Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

MVP

Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans