Latest Nick Nurse News Proves He's Officially a Canadian National Hero
By Parker White
Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse became a beloved figure after leading his team to an Eastern Conference championship and an NBA Finals appearance for the first time in franchise history.
If that wasn't good enough to ingratiate himself with the country of Canada, he agreed to coach the national team at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The news keeps getting better for basketball in our country. Sources confirm to me that Nick Nurse will become the next head coach for Team ?? this summer at the world championships in China. Brillant hire by Rowan Barrett and Canada basketball. #RDS
— Peter Yannopoulos (@PeteYannopoulos) May 26, 2019
The FIBA World Cup tips off in China on August 31, making this a busy summer for Nurse after he finishes coaching his Raptors in the NBA Finals. This is a huge tournament for Team Canada, as this is a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which Nurse would coach if they get there.
Source: Raptors coach Nick Nurse to coach Canada at 2019 FIBA World Cuphttps://t.co/WnTbMPwraR pic.twitter.com/i6jVltjRDo
— CP24 (@CP24) May 26, 2019
The FIBA World Cup runs through September 15, which is a couple weeks before NBA training camp begins.
That would make it a jam-packed summer for the Raptors coach, especially if they somehow defeat the Golden State Warriors in a long series. Team Canada could be made up of the likes of Andrew Wiggins and RJ Barrett, should the two stars choose to participate for their country.