“We’ve gotta be trying to think of what’s coming next before it comes next,” Nick Nurse said, a statement that perfectly captures his coaching philosophy. From his days as a three-point shooting legend at the University of Northern Iowa to becoming a transformative coach, Nurse has consistently left a lasting impact at every stop along his journey.

Nick Nurse began his coaching career with Northern Iowa in 1989 and worked his way up to the NBA, joining the Toronto Raptors in 2013 and becoming their head coach in 2018. In 2019, he led the Raptors to their first-ever NBA Championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the Finals. This victory made him the first coach to win both an NBA and an NBA D-League title, cementing his place in basketball history.

But his NBA success didn’t stop there. The following year, he was named the NBA Coach of the Year and even earned the honor of coaching the Eastern Conference in the All-Star Game! However, his success wasn’t limited to the NBA; Nurse also led teams to victory in the D-League, winning championships in 2011 and 2013, along with Coach of the Year honors. And do you know he also has a rich history in the British Basketball League? Yes, he has won multiple championships, Coach of the Year, All-Star Game head, and one English Cup. Too much right?

Now as he takes the reins of the Philadelphia 76ers, replacing Doc Rivers the focus shifts to his contract. What does this new deal signify for the team’s aspirations? And how will Nurse’s impressive track record influence the 76ers’ quest for success? Let’s dive into the details!

New chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers

After the Raptors didn’t make it to the 2023 playoff and lost to the Bulls in the Play-in Tournament, the Raptors management fired him. However, just days after his firing, the Philadelphia 76ers hired him as their new head coach. 76ers GM Daryl Morey expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Nick Nurse as the new head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. His championship pedigree and diversity of experience mixed with his uniquely creative approach made him our top priority. We are confident that his leadership and expertise will help us unlock the full potential of our talented roster and bring an exciting new era of championship basketball to Philadelphia”

In his previous contract with the Raptors, Nick Nurse earned $8 million annually, totaling approximately $32 million, placing him among the NBA’s highest-paid coaches, alongside Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks.

As for his deal with the 76ers, specific details of Nurse’s salary and contract remain undisclosed. However, given his impressive track record, it’s likely his compensation is competitive. Now, let’s take a closer look at how his first season with the 76ers unfolded.

Starting fresh: Nick Nurse’s first season with the 76ers

The 2023–24 Philadelphia 76ers season was a milestone as the team celebrated its 75th anniversary in the NBA. With Nick Nurse at the helm, the team aimed to turn a new page. Under Nurse’s leadership, the 76ers began the season with a promising 29–13 record, raising hopes for a deep playoff run. However, their momentum took a devastating hit when Joel Embiid tore his lateral meniscus. The injury significantly impacted the team’s performance and dashed their championship dreams.

However, Nurse emphasized resilience and adaptability, urging players to step up. During Embiid’s absence, the team struggled, going 11–22. Despite the challenges, Nurse remained focused on team unity and growth. When Embiid returned on April 2, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The team rallied together, winning their final eight games. Yet, they couldn’t escape the seventh seed in the playoffs.

In a dramatic play-in tournament, they clinched their spot against the Miami Heat. The postseason was short-lived as they fell to the Knicks. This defeat was disheartening, marking a disappointing end to their season. Adding to the challenges, the 76ers entered the draft without any picks. Nurse faced the daunting task of building depth with limited resources.

How will Nurse reshape the team’s identity moving forward? What lessons will the 76ers learn from this season’s struggles?

Navigating health and injuries: Philadelphia 76ers 2024 preseason

The 2024 preseason has been a rollercoaster for Nick Nurse and the 76ers. Fans were eager to see their stars back in action, but that excitement quickly turned to worry when reports surfaced about Joel Embiid’s left knee issues. With the preseason now behind them, uncertainty lingers over Embiid’s availability as the 76ers head into the regular season. and possibly unable to play in back-to-back games, it’s a tough setback for a team that relies so heavily on its MVP center.

Meanwhile, Paul George added to the injury concerns, suffering a left knee injury during a win against the Hawks. Although initial reports indicated no structural damage, uncertainty still hangs in the air. Can the 76ers count on their stars to stay healthy for the entire season? This question now casts a shadow over Philadelphia’s aspirations.

The team’s record so far reflects their struggles: they’ve had ups and downs, finishing the preseason with a 3-3 record. They started strong with a decisive win against New Zealand but faltered against Timberwolves and Celtics. A notable highlight was their solid victory over the Hawks, where players like Kelly Oubre Jr. shone.

As they look ahead, the stakes are high. If Embiid and George remain healthy, the 76ers could easily become championship contenders! But can they navigate an entire season without setbacks? Fans are left to wonder if this team can sustain its potential, especially with so much talent at stake.

With the regular season just around the corner, the question remains: will the 76ers overcome these early challenges and make a deep playoff run? With Nurse at the helm, there’s a sense of optimism, but only time will tell!