Toronto Raptors: 3 coaches who could replace Jama Mahlalela

1. Nate Bjorkgren

Bjorkgren, like Stotts, was given his pink slip in Indiana, as his lone season with the Pacers didn’t go according to plan. While he did give the offense the shot in the arm they needed, the defense declined rapidly and the Pacers dropped out of the postseason. Meanwhile, Nate McMillan landed in Atlanta and helped the Hawks reach the conference finals.

Even with all of that, Bjorkgren could still end up back in Toronto, as Nurse could’ve potentially laid the groundwork for a return by making him an assistant on the Canadian national team during Olympic qualifying. If you’re a gambling fellow, this might be the most likely corresponding move.

Could Nate Bjorkgren rehabilitate his image with the Toronto Raptors?

Bjorkgren not only struggled on the court, but reports hinted at his inability to relate to Pacers players. He may have proved that he wasn’t quite ready for a head coaching gig, but could a return to his comfort zone in Toronto prove that his coaching acumen could help a team with aspirations of contending?

Bjorkgren clearly has Nurse’s respect, which is a very precious commodity. He’s proven to be a trusted voice for some quality Raptors sides, and the best way to pump his coaching stock back up could be trying to replicate his success in 2021 and beyond. Losing Mahlalela and adding Bjorkgren might not sound ideal, but it could pan out.