Sixers Hire Ex-Raptors Coach, 2019 Heartbreaker Nick Nurse as Doc Rivers' Replacement

(Photo : Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) DETROIT, MICHIGAN - Head coach Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors calls out a play while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 14, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. Toronto won the game 115-111.

Former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, who led the Canadian team to the 2019 NBA championship, will now be the next head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Nurse will replace Doc Rivers, who was at the helm for three seasons.

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Nurse Replaces Doc

Aside from leading the Raptors to their first title in franchise history, Nurse was also named the 2020 NBA Coach of the Year and coached Team Giannis in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

Nurse had a 227-163 (.582) record in five seasons in Toronto, per ESPN.

Both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns were engaged in talks with the tactician and his agent, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports.

Nurse decided to go to Philadelphia to have a chance to coach the reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid.

Another factor in Nurse's decision was his past working experience with Sixers GM Daryl Morey in Houston while coaching their G-League affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers from 2011 to 2013.

This is a significant acquisition for the Sixers, as Nurse was a highly coveted candidate for the head coaching position of several teams after he was fired by the Raptors last April.

The Sixers are looking at a busy offseason. With their search for a head coach done, the organization is trying to lure star James Harden into staying and provide ample reinforcements to play alongside the league's most valuable player Embiid.

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