The Toronto Raptors had the best regular season in franchise history this year, but after LeBron dealt them yet another postseason beatdown, the franchise elected to fire coach Dwane Casey. Nevermind that Casey is a legitimate contender for Coach of the Year—General Manager Masai Ujiri felt the team needed a new leader.
Toronto was rumored to desire former Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer, but Bud signed on to coach Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. On Tuesday, reports surfaced announcing the Raptors had settled on assistant coach Nick Nurse as their next head man.
The Toronto Raptors are hiring assistant Nick Nurse as the franchise's new head coach, league sources tell ESPN. Sides are working through details of contract now.
Nurse has been an assistant in Toronto since 2013. He's been an active coach since 1989 but spent most of his career in college and the D-League. He won D-League Coach of the Year in 2011. He also won two rings at the minor-league level.
Nick Nurse seems like a good hire. Guy’s been great and highly regarded his whole career.
Hiring someone from a staff doesn’t mean a continuation of the previous coach. That’s just not how it works.
Nurse is widely credited with successfully installing the Raptors' new offensive system this season.
Nick Nurse has been a strong internal candidate in Toronto. His offensive creativity matches vision Raptors front office has for the team. One of the most qualified assistant coache/HC candidates in the NBA.
Casey, meanwhile, has already found his next job: with the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons lured Casey with a five-year deal that was announced Monday.
