Raptors’ coaching search might lead to assistant coach exodus

The Toronto Raptors remain the only team in the league without a head coach, as Masai Ujiri is coming up on almost two months without bringing in someone who could be a replacement for Nick Nurse. As such, the Raptors are at risk of seeing their current staff decimated by departures.

With some reports claiming they will wait more than a week before their final chance at interviewing Sergio Scariolo, it’s fair to say that Toronto is not bothered at all when it comes to finding a replacement. However, this indecision could lead to many coaches bolting for lateral jobs.

According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, Rico Hines, who was brought in with the expectation that he could completely revitalize the team’s player development system, is likely going to join Nurse in Philadelphia. This would leave Jim Sann as the only coach currently under contract with the team.

The Toronto Raptors could lose Rico Hines.

The Raptors’ brain drain over the last few years has been stark. Chris Finch became the head coach of the Timberwolves before Adrian Griffin got his gig in Milwaukee. Patrick Mutombo left for Phoenix prior to his defection to Milwaukee, and Brittni Donaldson recently joined the Atlanta Hawks.

Hines was a big addition for Toronto, as his relationship with Pascal Siakam and his legendary status in the community (which manifested via his famous offseason runs) made him a quality presence on the bench. It looks like Nurse will pilfer him away, unfortunately.

Ujiri seems to be willing and ready to let whomever he picks as the next head coach bring in a completely new staff. While this will bring with it a rush of new ideas, it could also be a bit of a risk, as there is no guarantee they will mesh with many of Toronto’s best players.

This search has gone on just short of forever, and it isn’t making the Raptors look like a very stable organization when compared to the rest of the league. All of these issues will be forgotten, however, if they replace Nurse and Hines with some respected, effective members of the coaching community.