Atlantic Notes: Raptors, Sixers, Knicks

There is already some added intensity from Raptors head coach Dwane Casey, and the fact that he is now in the final guaranteed year of the three-year extension (the final year of the deal next season is a team option) he signed in May 2014 likely has something to do with it, Mike Ganter of the Torono Sun writes. Casey would like to see better defense out of the Raptors, who are in win-now mode, Ganter adds.

Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:

  • There is no reason to panic — not yet, at least, from the Sixers‘ perspective — about Jahlil Okafor‘s performances offensively because the team spent all of training camp working on defense and even highly-touted rookies experience a learning curve, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes.
  • Kyle O’Quinn is comfortable playing for the Knicks because the versatile 6’10” power forward grew up a Knicks fan and lived in nearby Queens, Zach Braziller of the New York Post details. “Being in the home locker room, putting on the white jersey, it felt good,” O’Quinn said. “My mom was there, she was happy to be there. It was a good feeling being at the Garden. It was definitely a good feeling getting a win at the Garden.” The Knicks acquired O’Quinn in a sign-and-trade with the Magic during the summer. O’Quinn received a four-year, $16MM deal from the Knicks.
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