What happened to Nick Nurse? Why 76ers coach won't be leading Team Canada at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

25-08-2023
6 min read
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After the Raptors fired Nick Nurse in April, the 56-year-old coach's future with Team Canada was thrown into doubt.

At the time, Canada Basketball declared that Nurse would remain the head coach of the national team. He had held the position since 2019 and was under contract through the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"Canada Basketball and our senior men's national team coach, Nick Nurse, are focused on this summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup and qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," Canada Basketball said in a statement to CBC Sports. "Nick will continue to be our head coach as we work to achieve our goals this summer and next."

Then, Nurse's plans changed. He took the 76ers job in early June before stepping down and helping Team Canada select a new head coach.

Why did Nurse relinquish his role?

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Why Nick Nurse isn't coaching Team Canada at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Sportsnet's Michael Grange reported in late June that Nurse walked away from Team Canada because the time commitment was "too much" after he became the head coach of the Sixers. TSN's Josh Lewenberg noted that it was an "amicable (albeit fairly sudden) parting of ways."

Nurse confirmed those reports with his official statement.

"I have made the difficult decision to step down as head coach of the senior men's national team for Canada Basketball," Nurse said. "It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to coach this team. This is not a decision I made lightly, and after discussing it with my family, I felt it was important to dedicate my time and energy to the new opportunity I have as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

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"I will support the transition however I can and truly appreciate the support and understanding from everyone at Canada Basketball. I am forever grateful to Canada Basketball and the amazing players, staff, and fans for embracing me and my family."

Nurse reportedly helped identify Jordi Fernandez as his replacement. Fernandez is currently the Kings' associate head coach and previously worked for the Cavaliers and Nuggets. He has also been an assistant on the international level.

"To have the chance to lead Canada this summer at the World Cup is a tremendously exciting opportunity and one I'm extremely grateful for," Fernandez said. "Not many international programs have the ceiling that this team does, and it is a testament to the hard work and development Canada Basketball, as well as Nick and his staff, have put in over the last several years."

Team Canada's roster for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Here is Canada's roster for the FIBA Basketball World Cup:

Player Height Position
Kyle Alexander 6-10 Forward
Nickeil Alexander-Walker 6-5 Guard
RJ Barrett 6-6 Guard
Trae Bell-Haynes 6-2 Guard
Dillon Brooks 6-7 Forward
Luguentz Dort 6-3 Guard
Zach Edey 7-4 Center
Melvin Ejim 6-6 Forward
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6-6 Guard
Kelly Olynyk 7-0 Center
Dwight Powell 6-9 Center
Phil Scrubb 6-4 Guard

Team Canada schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Team Canada will be part of Group H at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Canadians will face France, Latvia and Lebanon in the group stage and play their games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Date Opponent Time (ET)
Aug. 25 vs. France 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 27 vs. Lebanon 5:45 a.m.
Aug. 29 vs. Latvia 9:30 a.m.

When is the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

  • Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
  • Locations: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will begin on Friday, Aug. 25. The group stage will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

The championship game will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10.

How to watch 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup: TV channels and live streams

In the United States, all 92 FIBA Basketball World Cup games will be available to watch on either ESPN2 or ESPN+. Basketball fans can also stream the games via Courtside 1891 or Sling TV.

Sling TV is now offering HALF OFF the first month, effective immediately. Sling base packages (Sling Orange or Sling Blue) are starting at just $20 for the first month. Sling Orange + Blue is starting at $27.50 for the first month!