New report casts doubt on Nick Nurse's future with Philadelphia 76ers

New report casts doubt on Nick Nurse's future with Philadelphia 76ers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Nick Nurse could be coaching for his job with the Philadelphia 76ers this postseason, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Nurse was brought in to lead the Sixers over the hump after three consecutive Eastern Conference semifinals losses under Doc Rivers. But, the team has actually moved backwards since replacing the Doc with a Nurse.

76ers' Nick Nurse 'under pressure' this postseason

The Sixers were eliminated in the first round in Nurse's first season in Philly and they failed to make the playoffs at all last season, though injury issues played a big part in that.

This year, the Sixers are on the verge of getting eliminated in the fist round again, this time by the rival Boston Celtics. If that happens, Philadelphia could be on the hunt for a new head coach.

From Amick:

"The Sixers’ Nick Nurse is widely believed to be under pressure too, meaning Sunday’s loss to Boston, which put them in a 3-1 hole, qualifies as a step in the wrong direction."

This isn't a big surprise. Injury excuses probably saved Nurse's job last year after the disaster that was the 2024-25 season, but that same excuse shouldn't fly again.

The Sixers have looked consistently unmotivated and underprepared under Nurse, so bringing in a new, fresh voice would probably be a wise move.

In addition to Nurse, it's fair to wonder if president of basketball operations Daryl Morey could also be on the hot seat. Morey has made some shrewd moves during his time in Philadelphia, but ultimately he's fallen short of building a true contender.