Kevin O'Neill's fate as Toronto's coach appears inevitable. His first season will be his last despite the improvement he's brought to the Raptors' record.

With that in mind, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took the stand for the defense of his close friend before and after his team's 94-90 victory Wednesday at Air Canada Centre.

Carlisle was critical of the Raptors' front office for, in his opinion, allowing a soap opera of rumors and speculation to overwhelm the team's season.

"This franchise has proven over the last three weeks that they're undeserving of Kevin O'Neill's integrity and convictions in terms of what he stands for as a basketball man," Carlisle said.

"The most disappointing aspect of this situation is how it affects their players. Kevin is a guy who wants to win and is a guy who always puts the players ahead of everything else. When you get in a situation where ego and politics get involved and compromise your ability to win in the midst of a playoff stretch, that's got to send a mixed message to your players, and that's unfortunate."