Toronto Raptors: How Do Nick Nurse’s First Two Seasons Stack Up Against the All-Time Greats?

Toronto Raptors: So How Does Nick Nurse Compare?

When compared to the legends of the game, the start to Nick Nurse’s basketball career should be considered one of the best of all-time. The early success in terms of the gaudy win-loss record, the awards and accolades and already winning a championship ring is matched only by Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, and Steve Kerr.

But you can make the argument that the NBA is the most star-driven league in sports. The championships usually follow the best players in the league. Pat Riley had Magic and Kareem, Popovich had Duncan, Kerr had Steph and KD and Phil Jackson had Jordan and Pippen and then had Shaq and Kobe.

In his rookie season, Nick Nurse had Kawhi Leonard but now has to work with a team without an obvious superstar. The best coaches know how to get the most out of a given roster and, most importantly, know how to get the most out of their stars.

Nurse has shown a knack for talent and personality management in his very short career with the Toronto Raptors. It’s incredibly early to label him an all-time great and only time will tell if he’s a pantheon-level coach or if he is a Ty Lue-level flash in the pan. Personally, I wouldn’t bet against him.