'I love it here': Raptors head coach Nick Nurse on departure speculation
Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse reacts during the second half of their NBA game against the Washington Wizards in Toronto on Sunday, March 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
Nick Nurse has made it clear: he wants to stay in Toronto.
Nurse addressed speculation that he would be leaving the Raptors as head coach on Thursday, a day after Toronto was bounced from the NBA's post-season with a 109-105 loss to the Chicago Bulls in a play-in game.
Media reports had dogged Nurse for weeks, suggesting that a rift had formed between him and team president Masai Ujiri and that with the coach's contract expiring next season he could be fired or he would quit.
But Nurse dismissed any notion of friction with Ujiri on Thursday.
"I think we've got a front office, a president in Masai, who passionately wants to win. We've got a head coach who passionately wants to win," said Nurse at OVO Centre, the Raptors' training facility. "That's why we've always been on the same page and have a great level of communication.
"Our goal is to win here and that takes some evaluation on all fronts. That's all."
The 55-year-old Nurse signed a multi-year extension with Toronto on Sept. 15, 2020. The contract came after he led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship and earned coach of the year honours the next season.
"I love it here. I love it here and we have built a really strong culture," said Nurse. "That is what (Ujiri) is doing. That is what (general manager Bobby Webster) is doing. That's what I'm doing.
"We've got to all evaluate how we can get that culture back where we need it and get back to being a playoff team and then getting to a level of winning it all. That's what we want to do."
Speculation about Nurse's future came to a head on March 31 in Philadelphia when he said in a post-game conference that he would have to think about his future in the off-season. Three days later in Charlotte, Nurse was asked by a reporter about those comments and he gave a terse reply, insisting on only focusing on this season.
Nurse said on Thursday that he was trying to be proactive with his midseason comments.
"The speculation of whether I was going to be back or not that started, I have no idea where that comes from or what I was supposed to do about that," he said. "I needed to try to get the team or any of the players focused back on the job at hand and try to not have to answer that question every game.
"It started coming one after another after another and I was trying to put it to bed so we could focus on the season."
The Raptors finished the regular season with a 41-41 record and, after the play-in loss to Chicago, will be considered the Eastern Conference's 10th-place team.
Veteran point guard Fred VanVleet said that Nurse still commands respect in Toronto's locker-room.
"We're all grown-ups in this league and understand everything's a business but coach has got my full support," said VanVleet, who added he'd be surprised if Nurse wasn't back next season.
"I love playing for him. I've had some of my best years under him, obviously won a championship. I think we've got one of the best staffs in the league."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 13, 2023.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
After scamming their victims, some con artists go on to scam our courts with impunity
Convicts, including fraudsters, are skipping out on their court-ordered payments to their victims to the tune of tens of millions of dollars across the country, according to figures obtained by CTV W5.
Fall sitting bookended by Liberal byelection losses ends with Trudeau government in tumult
The House of Commons adjourned on Tuesday, bringing an end to an unstable fall sitting that has been bookended by Liberal byelection losses. The conclusion of the fall sitting comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government is in turmoil.
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
B.C. teacher disciplined for refusing to let student use bathroom
A teacher who refused to let a student use the bathroom in a B.C. school has been disciplined by the province's professional regulator.
Most Canadians have heard about Freeland's resignation from Trudeau cabinet, new poll finds
The majority of Canadians heard about Chrystia Freeland's surprise resignation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet, according to a new poll from Abacus Data released Tuesday.
Police chief says motive for Wisconsin school shooting was a 'combination of factors'
Investigators on Tuesday are focused on trying to determine a motive in a Wisconsin school shooting that left a teacher and a student dead and two other children in critical condition.
After investigating Jan. 6, House GOP sides with Trump and goes after Liz Cheney
Wrapping up their own investigation on the Jan. 6 2021 Capitol attack, House Republicans have concluded it's former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney who should be prosecuted for probing what happened when then-President Donald Trump sent his mob of supporters as Congress was certifying the 2020 election.
Wine may be good for the heart, new study says, but experts aren’t convinced
Drinking a small amount of wine each day may protect the heart, according to a new study of Spanish people following the plant-based Mediterranean diet, which typically includes drinking a small glass of wine with dinner.
Montreal
-
Quebec man pleads guilty to spreading hate speech about Jews, trying to make 3D-printed guns
A Montreal-area man has pleaded guilty to attempting to manufacture multiple firearms with a 3D printer, including an AR-15, and spreading hate speech about the Jewish community.
-
69-year-old woman dies after being struck by city bus in Montreal-North
Montreal police (SPVM) have confirmed that a pedestian has died after a collision with an STM bus in the Montreal-North borough on Tuesday evening.
-
Major fire in Montreal-North apartment building leaves 30 families homeless
The Montreal Fire Service battled a three-alarm fire in Montreal-North on Tuesday evening.
Ottawa
-
Inquest jury deems Abdirahman Abdi's death after arrest a homicide, makes recommendations
The jury at a coroner's inquest deemed the 2016 death of an Ottawa man after his violent arrest a homicide, as it made more than 50 recommendations Tuesday aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.
-
Villa Marconi, board refute union allegations about hygiene care
The chair of the board of directors at Villa Marconi, a long-term care facility on Baseline Road, says allegations around supply shortages leading to neglect of resident hygiene are "all false."
-
Ottawa Public Health asking customers of south Ottawa Tim Hortons to monitor for hep A symptoms
Ottawa Public Health is warning residents about a possible risk of exposure to hepatitis A at a local Tim Hortons in the city's south end.
Northern Ontario
-
Two in northern Ont. charged with manslaughter in death of a child
Two people have been charged with manslaughter and other offences in connection with the death of a seven-year-old two years ago in Hearst, Ont.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
-
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have been harassed by local councillor
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have had enough of what they call unfair public scrutiny from a local municipal councillor.
Kitchener
-
Victim of Cambridge, Ont. dog attack claims same animal is up for adoption without disclosure
A Cambridge, Ont. woman who was involved in a vicious dog attack this summer claims one of the dogs involved is now up for adoption.
-
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
-
Cambridge kitchen fire results in serious burn injuries
One person was taken to hospital with serious burns after a fire Tuesday at a Cambridge apartment complex.
London
-
Vehicle strikes building causing natural gas leak in London
Ridout Street north has been shut down between Dufferin and Queens and east of Fullerton — power has also been turned off to about 3,000 customers in the area
-
Fatal crash near Meaford, police investigating
OPP, EMS and the Intertownship Fire Department responded to the area around 9:30 p.m
-
WATCH
WATCH Supporters of Councillor Stevenson disrupt council meeting that imposed 30-day suspension of pay for bullying staff
Coun. Susan Stevenson has been docked 30-days’ pay after an investigation by the Integrity Commissioner determined she bullied and harassed a senior city staffer.
Windsor
-
New border security plan a 'great start', expert says
On Tuesday, Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc provided more details on a five-pillared approach with a price tag of $1.3 billion.
-
Canada Post strike ends, but Windsor businesses still feel the pain
While small businesses in Windsor are relieved to see Canada Post moving again, many are still feeling the sting of the four-week work stoppage.
-
Shots fired at home in east Windsor
Windsor police are looking for a suspect after multiple shots were fired at a home in east Windsor.
Barrie
-
'We've been scammed,' Customers allege floating home company owner left them in limbo after payment
Several customers of a floating home company say their dream of living on the water has turned into a financial and emotional nightmare.
-
New taser technology put to the test as Barrie police undergo training
Police officers in Barrie participated in a jolting experience on Monday as they voluntarily felt the effects of a new conducted energy weapon during an intensive training session.
-
Two drivers nabbed for allegedly speeding over 150km/h on Highway 11
Police patrolling Highway 11 in Orillia pulled over two vehicles on Tuesday morning, each allegedly travelling more than 60 kilometres per hour over the posted limit.
Winnipeg
-
'Drastic measures' needed as Manitoba faces $1.3B deficit, experts say
With both Manitoba and Canada facing deficits far exceeding what they had hoped, experts warn drastic measures will be needed but fear Manitobans will be the ones paying.
-
Winnipeg to start exploring the potential of 24-hour firefighter shifts
Firefighters in Winnipeg could one day work around the clock, like they already do in other cities.
-
One arrested following school threats: Winnipeg police
The Winnipeg Police Service is providing more details about three threats made toward two schools Monday and Tuesday, which resulted in the arrest of a 13-year-old girl.
Atlantic
-
Snow forecast to fall in parts of the Maritimes this week
As rainy and gusty weather clears the Maritimes Tuesday, a round of snow and rain is lined up for late week.
-
Sex-ed group deemed 'inappropriate' by Tory government returns to N.B. schools
A sexual-education group whose presentations were deemed "clearly inappropriate" by the previous New Brunswick Progressive Conservative government has been cleared to return to the province's schools.
-
N.B.'s Horizon Health Network says they've 'planned far more diligently' for holiday season
With both sick and holiday seasons here, New Brunswick's Horizon Health Network say it's prepared heading into the holidays with proactive steps being taken.
N.L.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
-
'Breaking of gridlock' between Quebec, N.L. is the envy of former premiers
Former Newfoundland and Labrador premiers say a draft energy agreement signed Thursday with Quebec marks a historic break in a long-standing political standoff.
Edmonton
-
Police officer hurt, 2 arrested after gun fight reported at Stantec Tower
A police officer and two men were taken to hospital on Tuesday after an arrest at Stantec Tower.
-
Caught on camera: Porch pirate steals dirty diapers from Edmonton step
A would-be thief got away with a bag of dirty diapers after snagging what they thought was a package off an Edmonton porch.
-
Lots of snow and some serious cold coming to Edmonton region Wednesday
Prepare for a significant dump of heavy snow Wednesday.
Calgary
-
Calgary man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2022 shootings
A Calgary man was sentenced to 16 years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with two 2022 shootings.
-
'Condensed timeline' puts pressure on Calgary council to approve Green Line project
With timelines tightening, Calgary city council is asking for an urgent meeting with the Alberta government to discuss a reworked plan to build a multibillion-dollar light-rail-transit line connecting the city's southeast to downtown.
-
Sexual assault, breach of trust charges laid against former Calgary police officer
Vancouver police say Sgt. Matthew Ball and Const. Ryan Johnston, both of the Central Saanich Police, formed separate "intimate" and "inappropriate" relationships with a woman in her mid-20s they met while on duty.
Regina
-
Conflict of Interest Commissioner recommends reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill
Saskatchewan's Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) is recommending a reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill after finding he broke legislative rules when a company tied to his family participated in government contracts.
-
Chappell Roan 'looking at venues' for possible Sask. show
American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is expressing some interest towards performing in Saskatchewan – after shouting out the province in a yet to be released song.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Saskatoon
-
First Nation leaders push to close 'loophole' laws after judge stays fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) wants to change the Criminal Code of Canada to prioritize victims that are children.
-
'She was fiercely competitive': Saskatoon historic Olympic medal winner honoured
One of Saskatoon’s most famous Olympians finally gets her official recognition — and it’s been almost a century in the making.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Vancouver
-
City staff recommend demolition for derelict vacant building in downtown Vancouver
The City of Vancouver’s chief building official has deemed a 176-room hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown too derelict and poorly maintained to remain standing.
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
'It's another Hail Mary pass by the Trudeau government': Experts and B.C. businesses react as GST holiday begins
B.C. businesses have been left scrambling to make the federal government's decision to slash GST for the holidays a reality.
Vancouver Island
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
Langford council votes unanimously in favor of purchasing Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
Langford city council has voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre for the price of $35 million. The facility's largest tenant is the YMCA/YWCA, which operates the municipality's only public pool.
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has temporarily shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community due to an escalating standoff with the operator of a so-called "squatter" vessel.
