While the Raptors are one of the teams to watch closely at the trade deadline, another file could soon be at the center of discussions in the Far North. Indeed, coach Nick Nurse’s contract is about to expire and his future with the Dinos seems very uncertain…
It is a long time ago when Nick Nurse was unanimous in Toronto. The one who was at the head of the champion team in 2019 before being named Coach of the Year the following season was rather the target of criticism, both internally and externally.
Less than a month ago, we pointed out how Nurse used his players, three of them being in the NBA Top 10 in minutes per game. Today via Shams Charania from The Athleticwe learn that members of the squad and staff have expressed their frustration with the manager several times this season, a disappointing season to say the least (record of 23 wins – 28 losses, 12th in the East) in comparison with the good things shown last year.
The Raptors are 23-28, and Nick Nurse’s future as head coach is expected to come into focus this summer, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
Nurse will be entering the final year of his contract going into next season.
Here’s why:https://t.co/NvvXvnp5Lk pic.twitter.com/YcQRxuhBYL
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 30, 2023
The Tom Thibodeau side of Nick Nurse, the lack of background sometimes characterizing the Toronto attack and the regression of the team on the defensive level weaken the position of the Dinos coach today. And when we know his contractual situation, we can legitimately wonder if Nurse will remain long in the only NBA franchise he knows.
Because yes, still according to Shams, the end of Nicky’s contract is approaching. He will only have one year left after the current season, the deal signed in 2020 ending at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. The Nick Nurse file will thus be at the very top of the pile present on the desk of big boss Masai Ujiri this summer: will the latter seek to extend Nurse once again? On the contrary, is he considering a new face to lead the Dinos in the future? And Nick, will he at least want to stay in Toronto if the opportunity arises?
All of this may depend on the second half of the current season, and the direction the franchise will take at the February 9 trade deadline. The Raptors are one of the most intriguing teams on the transfer market today: a team that can very well decide to keep its current squad to try a run… or else blow up everything to rebuild around Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.
_____
Source texte : The Athletic
