Raptors Introduce Kevin O'Neill As Coach
Posted on: Wednesday, 18 June 2003, 06:00 CDT
Kevin O'Neill, a former assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks, was introduced Wednesday as the new head coach of the Toronto Raptors.
O'Neill, 46, was the lead assistant to former Pistons coach Rick Carlisle the last two seasons. He also served as an assistant to Jeff Van Gundy in New York three years ago.
He replaces Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens, who left the Raptors "by mutual agreement" with one year remaining on his contract. The team is coming off a 24-58 season in which Wilkens set the league record for career losses.
Raptors star Vince Carter has said Wilkens' laid-back style wasn't effective.
O'Neill is known for his intense, in-your-face style. He was the head coach at Northwestern, Tennessee and Marquette, and had a career record of 190-197 at the college level
The Raptors were looking for a coach that would work for a low salary - something around $1.6 million per year - since the Raptors still owe money to Wilkens. With no previous NBA experience in a head job, O'Neill fit the bill.
O'Neill beat out Seattle assistant Dwane Casey and Milwaukee assistant Sam Mitchell.
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