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Stackhouse’s departure opens a wide range of possibilities for 905

By Gavin Axelrod

MISSISSAUGA, CANADA - APRIL 25: Jerry Stackhouse of the Raptors 905 coaches against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers during Game Two of the D-League Finals at the Hershey Centre on April 25, 2017 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
MISSISSAUGA, CANADA - APRIL 25: Jerry Stackhouse of the Raptors 905 coaches against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers during Game Two of the D-League Finals at the Hershey Centre on April 25, 2017 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Raptors 905 head coach and former Raptors assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse has joined the Memphis Grizzlies. Who are some possible replacements for the 905?

It appears as though another Head Coaching vacancy has opened up in the Raptors organization. Raptors 905 bench boss, Jerry Stackhouse, will be joining the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant coach. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski initially broke the news:

Stackhouse’s departure should come as no surprise. The 43-year old had interviews with the Raptors, Knicks, Magic and Hornets for their head coaching vacancies.

The 19-year NBA veteran’s term with the Raptors organization was short but sweet. Stackhouse served as an assistant coach for Toronto in 2015-2016. He spent the past two seasons as Head Coach of Raptors 905.

Stackhouse lead Toronto’s G League affiliate to a championship victory in 2017. He received G League Coach of the Year honours for the 2016-2017 season as well.

Current Raptors players such as: Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and others all grew under Stackhouse’s guidance in the G League. There might not be a “bench mob” without his hand in developing the Raptors’ young core.

The Search Begins

Current Raptors 905 assistant coaches Nate Mitchell along with Donnie Tyndall could be candidates to fill the vacancy. Another interesting option could be for a current Toronto Raptors assistant to slide into Stackhouse’s old gig, after a new coach is hired.

An intriguing  external candidate could be current Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon. The former WNBA star interviewed for Milwaukee’s head coaching job in early May.

Hammon comes from the Gregg Popovich coaching tree, a tried and proven commodity.  Hammon also lead the Spurs to a 2015 Las Vegas Summer League Championship as the team’s head coach.

Another candidate for the position although a long shot, might be Steve Nash. The former NBA MVP is a current player development consultant for the Golden State Warriors. However, Nash has served as general manager for the Canadian Men’s Senior National Team.

Let’s not forget, Steve Kerr worked in a front office role for the Phoenix Suns, before taking the head position in Golden State.

Next: Nurse vs Messina: Who is right for the Raptors

Adding a Canadian basketball hero to their staff would be massive for Raptors 905. It would help increase team popularity as well as allow the players to learn from one of the best to ever play the game.

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