BREAKING: Toronto Raptors Make Huge Move

To say that the Toronto Raptors had a disappointing season would be an understatement. Head coach Nick Nurse, for the first time in his 5-year tenure, started to take some heat, and even suggested himself at one point that he could be ready to move on. 

Masai Ujiri has now made that decision for him, firing the former NBA Coach of the Year. 

Nick Nurse is out as Raptors coach, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/HEKwTAdfUH

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2023

Nurse led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in his first year as head coach, in 2019. He had spent five previous seasons as an assistant to Dwane Casey. Nurse recorded a 227-163 mark as head coach in Toronto, a .582 winning percentage. His playoff numbers were even better, at 25-16 in 41  Raptors postseason contests, a .610 mark. 

Nick Nurse’s five-year run with the Raptors:

◽ 227-163 record (.582%)
◽ 2019 NBA champion
◽ 2019-20 Coach of the Year

He departs with the highest winning percentage in franchise history.https://t.co/nKzDNMX4Ao pic.twitter.com/oxORVYtZqw

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) April 21, 2023

The Raptors are said to be highly interested in Ime Udoka as a possible replacement. 

Some members of the Raptors’ organization hold Ime Udoka in high regard, per @IanBegley pic.twitter.com/p00IqXSxeF

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 21, 2023

As for Nurse, he's already said to be a strong candidate for the open coaching position with the Houston Rockets.

Lots more to come on this over the coming days and weeks. 

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports