(Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors fired coach Nick Nurse after five years on the job.
Nurse led the team to a 227-163 record and their first — and only — NBA championship, also being named NBA Coach of the Year in 2020.
Nick Nurse is out as Raptors coach, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/HEKwTAdfUH
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2023
So, even though this news was expected after months of rumblings, some fans were still somewhat shocked to see him being let go.
Rocket
— Old NBA Tweets (@oldnbatweetz) April 21, 2023
Looks like Chris Boucher will finally be playing overseas now
— Rick (@RickHHSports) April 21, 2023
NOOOOOO
— ً (@enra6ed) April 21, 2023
LAKERS
— Jake (@KingJakeVII) April 21, 2023
The Raptors were one of the mots consistent teams in the Eastern Conference during Nurse’s tenure, with their only losing season happening during the pandemic when they were forced to play in Florida due to the Canadian government’s health and safety regulations.
He developed Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby into the stars they are nowadays as well, but the word around the league was that he had already outstayed his welcome up north.
Notably, it shouldn’t be long before Nurse finds himself another spot on an NBA bench, even if it’s as an assistant coach.
He’s expected to be among the leading candidates to take over the Houston Rockets after Stephen Silas’ failed tenure, being a guy known for young player development and fundamentals.
As for the Raptors, they decided not to blow their roster up this season as expected, holding on to their stars to try and make another playoff push.
They’re reportedly set to target former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka to take the reins of the team.
So, chances are that they won’t be looking at moving any of their stars in the offseason, either.
The post Fans React To Today’s Nick Nurse News appeared first on The Cold Wire.