Sources have confirmed that Nick Nurse will be the new coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Nurse has been tasked with the responsibility of leading the team to its first title in 40 years. The Sixers and Phoenix Suns were in contention to hire Nurse, but the former won the race.
Nurse’s Decision to Choose the Sixers
Nurse’s agent, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports, was in talks with both the Sixers and the Suns throughout Sunday and Monday. However, Nurse’s desire to coach MVP Joel Embiid and his history with Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey played a significant role in his decision to commit to the Sixers.
In the interview process, Nurse was able to sell his vision for the Sixers, which centered around Embiid.
Nurse’s Past Achievements
Nurse served as the Toronto Raptors’ coach in the previous season. His aggressive style of defense helped the Raptors become the first team to record the most steals while allowing the fewest since the stat was initially tracked in 1973-74. Additionally, the Raptors led the league in points per game off turnovers while allowing the fewest.
During his tenure with the Raptors, Nurse won the 2019 NBA championship and the 2020 Coach of the Year award. He posted a 227-163 (.582) record with Toronto in five seasons.
Nurse to Replace Doc Rivers
Nurse will be replacing Doc Rivers, who was dismissed after leading the Sixers to three trips to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Sixers lost in Game 7 to the Boston Celtics in this year’s conference semifinals.
Embiid will be the first player to win the MVP and start the next season on the same team with a new coach since the Lakers’ Magic Johnson in 1990-91.
Nurse’s appointment comes as the Sixers work to re-sign James Harden, who is expected to become a free agent this summer.
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