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Five questions from Nick Nurse’s press conference and what the answers mean

By Mike Bossetti

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 15: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors listens to assistant coach Nick Nurse against the Charlotte Hornets during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on February 15, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 15: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors listens to assistant coach Nick Nurse against the Charlotte Hornets during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on February 15, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Nick Nurse was introduced as the Toronto Raptors head coach yesterday. We sorted out the five best questions from his opening press conference and translated what his answers actually meant.

For the most part, introductory press conferences are boring affairs. The media asks a bunch of general questions, and the participants do their best to tip-toe around answers, making sure to not upset anyone or give away future plans.

Not anymore. We decided to sort through the mud, pick out the five best questions, as well as, give an honest translation of what Nurse actually wants to say.

Question:  You’ve inherited a very talented roster, what is it going to look like? What is a Nick Nurse team?

Meaningful excerpt from extremely long answer: The game in general is changing so fast right before our very eyes. It’s changed so much in the past five years. It’s changed so fast in the past three years.

Translation:  You can expect a big to be moved or at minimum play less next season. This team is modernizing and that means less traditional big-men and more spacing and shooting.

Question Summary: The struggles come up in the post-season.  Do you have a different enough voice to get the team over the hump?

Meaningful excerpt from extremely long answer: We need to make sure we try a few new things here and there, try some different rotations.

Translation: The “Bench Mob” as we know it is dead. Of course the players will still be used, but no more using the same two lineups the entire regular season. The team will experiment with different lineups in order to adapt come playoff time.

Question: Where do you see the biggest areas of adjustment coming, transitioning from an assistants role to the leading role, especially making a jump in the same organization.

Meaningful excerpt from extremely long answer:  This is the only assistant job I’ve had. I’ve been a head coach for almost twenty years already.

Translation: Don’t question me fool. I got this.

Question Summary: What are you general thoughts on what you want to add in terms of experience and terms of resume to your coaching staff.

Meaningful excerpt from extremely long answer: I think it’s really important that we get an experienced staff. Guys that have been head coaches at some level.

Translation: This one is pretty straight forward. He is going to try to hire coaches with head coaching experience.

Question Summary: Can you think of any specific changes you want to make to the offense/defense?

Two meaningful excerpts from extremely long answer: I think defensively there is so much switching going on. Later on:  There’s a lot more creative ways being done right now.

Translation:  We are going to switch on defense much more often. Expect a more switch-heavy, frenzied style of defense.

Next: Ranking every Raptors contract from best to worst

If you didn’t watch the press conference, congratulations I just saved you 18-20 minutes depending on how fast a reader you are. If you already watched the conference and still wanted the analysis, wow you must really love the Raptors.

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