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Adrian Griffin is new lead assistant coach for Raptors – Nick Nurse needs more

By Brian Boake

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 5: Toronto Coach Dwane Casey (centre) with his assistants from left, Jama Mahlalela, Nick Nurse, Casey, Rex Kalamian and Scott McCullough (Head Athletic Trainer). Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns in 1st half action of NBA regular season play at Air Canada Centre. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 5: Toronto Coach Dwane Casey (centre) with his assistants from left, Jama Mahlalela, Nick Nurse, Casey, Rex Kalamian and Scott McCullough (Head Athletic Trainer). Toronto Raptors vs Phoenix Suns in 1st half action of NBA regular season play at Air Canada Centre. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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The Raptors have a new head coach, Nick Nurse, who needs to surround himself with skilled assistants. Why is it taking so long?

Your Scribe has been quietly fussing to himself about where the coaches are. Specifically, why is new Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse taking his sweet time about populating his bench with quality assistants?

We are informed Adrian Griffin has been brought on board as lead assistant, which is a significant step towards filling the vacuum. Griffin enjoyed a lengthy if undistinguished playing career which indicates to me someone who stuck around because of smarts rather than talent. I barely remember him on the court as a member of five teams in eight seasons. His numbers would indicate a defensive mindset, or more bluntly, he couldn’t score.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Summer League Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls Adrian Griffin gathers his team during NBA Summer League game between the Chicago Bulls and the Portland Trail Blazers on July 16, 2013 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Summer League Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls Adrian Griffin gathers his team during NBA Summer League game between the Chicago Bulls and the Portland Trail Blazers on July 16, 2013 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Griffin is an intriguing fellow in several ways. The Raptors become the third team (after the Magic and Thunder) where he’s been lead assistant. That’s a head-scratcher for me…did he not want to get promoted to the top job elsewhere? Did he antagonize people? He is reportedly working on his doctorate in leadership studies, which I didn’t know you could get a doctorate in. Maybe he believes if he studies leadership enough to get his Ph.D, he’ll get a head coaching job. Whatever – Adrian, you have my attention.

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Rex Kalamian has moved on to the Los Angeles Clippers after failing to get to the second round of interviews in Toronto. Jama Mahlalela has been promoted(?) from the front bench to the Raptors 905. That’s two key contributors gone. However, there are lots of people in house who are surely itching to move up, including Jamaal Magloire, Jim Saan, and Patrick Mutombo. Magloire is listed as Community Ambassador, but I’d be very surprised if he wouldn’t prefer a front-bench role.

Where are the specialists?

Kalamian’s departure means there no coach specifically assigned to defense. Hopefully Nurse fills that hole soon. Every NBA post-season brings a flurry of assistant coaches switching teams, but the clock is ticking. Our head man, like his predecessor, has no NBA playing experience. I’d like to see another retired player in the coaches’ scrum.

A coach with international experience would be welcome as well. EuroLeague guys have been preaching pace and space for much longer than their NBA counterparts.

Bill Bayno was the big-man specialist before getting canned following the Raptors’ meltdown against the Washington Wizards in 2015. Unfashionable though it may be, someone to concentrate on the front court might be useful.

Get the spots filled, please. The Raptors need quality coaches, not those already looked at and found wanting by others.

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