6 Nick Nurse replacements (not named Ime Udoka) Raptors must consider
By Mike Luciano
Retread No. 1: Kenny Atkinson
Atkinson, who was head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and did a masterful job of rebuilding them in the pre-Kevin Durant era, is currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. Atkinson turned down the Charlotte Hornets job last offseason, showing that he is willing to hold out for the right opportunity.
Atkinson’s Nets teams weren’t always the sharpest on defense, but they did have a very fun, high-flying offense that featured tons of 3-pointers. This could be enough to get Toronto interested, as he could take a stagnant group to the next level on that end.
Toronto Raptors rumors: Kenny Atkinson is a desirable candidate.
Retread No. 2: Frank Vogel
Vogel may not be regarded as a high-end coach and someone who was just along for the LeBron James ride, but you don’t win a championship by complete accident with no coaching acumen. It was Vogel who helped make those mid-2010s Pacers and bubble Lakers two of the best defensive teams in the league.
Vogel will likely get a head coaching job whenever he gets back in the NBA, and the Raptors seem like as good a place as any for him. With a strong defense already in place, the Raptors could replace one coach that already has a championship ring with another.
Next. 7 players the Raptors gave up on too soon. dark