Raptors president Masai Ujiri addressed the franchise’s decision to part ways with head coach Nick Nurse during this Friday’s press conference.
Ujiri felt changes had to be made after a disappointing season that ended with a loss to the Bulls in the play-in tournament.
Before this Friday’s presser started, Nurse ran into Ujiri. He told him, “Good luck with those guys.”
It’s tough to tell if Nurse meant this as a sign of disrespect for the current roster.
Nick Nurse to Masai Ujiri after being fired:
“Good luck with those guys” 😬
pic.twitter.com/OWTuUnZ3WK— Guru (@DrGuru_) April 21, 2023
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Ujiri, meanwhile, told reporters that Nurse is not entirely to blame for Toronto’s shortcomings this season. Some of the blame falls on his own shoulders.
“There was never that full excitement, full spirit, togetherness,” Ujiri said. “You all saw it, we all saw it. There’s no pointing a finger at Nick. I have to take responsibility too. This year wasn’t us. I think everybody saw that.”
Former Celtics head coach Ime Udoka is already being linked to the Raptors. Maybe he’s what the franchise needs to get back on track.