It’s the end of an era in Toronto! NICK NURSE has been fired by the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors Instagram page posted an image with the caption “Forever grateful. Thank you, @thenicknurse”
ESPN and other media outlets reported the news this morning and Team Vice-Chairman and President Masai Ujiri confirmed Nurse has been relieved of his head coaching duties.
Masai spoke to media at 11am and said it was a disappointing season and wants to regain the momentum that’s been lost. Ujiri wished Nick and his family the best of luck. He said the team wasn’t consistant this year. He’s not just blaming one person but this season but changes need to be made. The team needs to collectively rise. Masai believes in the current team but will look at all players and options and help improve the culture.
Nick Nurse is out as Raptors coach, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/HEKwTAdfUH
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2023
Masai Ujiri will speak about the Raptors season at 11 am today. Here are my thoughts on what the answer to the first question might be: https://t.co/OYaTRFbpNO
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) April 21, 2023
Nick Nurse has been with the team as an assistant since 2013 under Dwane Casey and named head coach in 2018 and guided the Raptors to an NBA Championship led by Kawhi Leonard on June 13, 2019.
The Raptors had a disappointing season finishing ninth in the East with a 41-41 record and lost their play-in game against the Chicago Bulls last Wednesday and failed to advance to the playoffs.
Former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka has been rumoured as a possibilty of taking over head coaching duties for the Raptors while Nurse could head to Houston. We shall wait and see what happens.
Thank You Nick Nurse for your time and service in Toronto and our first and only NBA Championship! Your time, effort and contribution will never be forgotten by the fans here in The 6! We wish you well and all the best in your future endeavors.
Tony Monaco – Middays 10am-3pm on Z1035
