That Dwane Casey was considered so strongly for the Toronto Raptors head-coaching job is a compliment to his quality as a candidate.

It's also Casey's consolation after the Raptors chose another coach.

Kevin O'Neill has been chosen as Toronto's next head coach, a decision that should be announced later this week.

Casey, a member of the Sonics coaching staff the past nine seasons, will return as the team's associate head coach next season. He is the most vocal of the Sonics' coaches in reacting to game situations.