In a season that has been as bitterly disappointing as possible, Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse has not escaped the ire of both the fanbase and the organization. The vibes are off in Toronto, as this season’s poor play could turn up the heat on Nurse.
After winning 48 games in 2022-23 and essentially bringing back the exact same roster, the Raptors find themselves with the sixth-worst record in the NBA and a better shot at landing Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson than making it to the postseason.
The latest rumor dump from Shams Charania of The Athletic implies that the Raptors are still unsure about the idea of buying or selling at this point in time. However, one of the juicier tidbits in Charania’s piece was related to Nurse, as he inferred his status with the team will “come into focus” in the offseason. Nurse is in the last year of his contract.
“There’s been frustration throughout the roster and staff with the team’s play at points of this season,” Charania said. “That has been directed toward Nurse at times too, according to a source.” The Raptors’ belief in Nurse as the coach who can lead this team is starting to waver.
Sources: The Suns have given permission to the Bucks to meet with Jae Crowder ahead of trade deadline.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 30, 2023
New Inside Pass at @TheAthletic reporting on the Raptors, Crowder and John Collins, Mavericks wing emerging as trade target, Jakob Poeltl, and more: https://t.co/qtKRtxt61g
Is Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse on the hot seat?
On one hand, Nurse has become a champion because of his ability to make in-game adjustments and develop young talent. However, those two traits seem to have gone out the window this year, as Toronto looks like one of the most inflexible and disappointing rosters in the league.
While Nurse’s often abrasive style can be effective when the team is winning, it’s easy to see how a coach calling out players publically in the media can wear thin on a team that is struggling on the court. Perhaps’ Nurse’s loud voice is starting to get tuned out by the players?
This season is a real Raptors fan Rorschach test. Some might blame the front office for not adding more pieces and correcting the flaws from last year’s team while the rest of the conference improved. Others will look to the coach as the main reason the same exact roster went from 48 wins to below .500 with all the same stars.
From Shams: “Nick Nurse’s future as #Raptors head coach is expected to come into focus this summer, when sources say he will be entering the final year of his contract going into next season.” https://t.co/LTicNB5V36
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) January 30, 2023
While Nurse will always be a legend in Toronto for getting this team a long-awaiting championship, it is very clear that the Raptors are struggling right now, and he is not blameless in this mess. Time will tell if this strife ends up challenging his status as coach in the organization.