Nick Nurse Could Be the First to Go in 76ers’ Struggles
The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2024-25 season with high hopes of winning a championship, but their 3-13 record now places them near the bottom of the standings. A series of setbacks, including injuries, fines, and leaked team meetings, have compounded their problems, leaving the team on a downward spiral. For head coach Nick Nurse, if the situation doesn’t improve drastically, he may be the first to face the consequences.
Coach Nurse Faces Growing Scrutiny
Brought in to help the 76ers contend for a title, Nurse is now under intense pressure. While rumors about his potential firing are circulating, some insiders believe he’s safe—for now. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the 76ers’ front office typically waits for around 20 games before making major decisions. However, with one of the league’s worst records, their patience is quickly running out.
Championship Dreams Collide with Reality
Philadelphia built this roster with one goal in mind: to win a championship. Unfortunately, their performance has fallen far short of expectations. The team is $6 million shy of the second salary cap apron, limiting their ability to make moves. General manager Daryl Morey assembled the roster to compete immediately, but early results suggest the team lacks the chemistry needed to succeed. Internal conflicts are growing, and in the NBA, unresolved issues often lead to changes in leadership or personnel. The dysfunction within the 76ers indicates that adjustments are likely forthcoming.
Why Nick Nurse Is the Likely Target
When considering potential changes, Nurse appears to be the most expendable piece. Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, has struggled under Nurse’s system, and the two have not developed a strong connection. There are even rumors that Nurse might have been behind the leaking of the infamous team meeting. While Embiid shares some responsibility, his recent contract extension makes him untouchable this season. The team must figure out how to make things work around their star player.
Trading Tyrese Maxey would risk alienating the fanbase, and dealing Paul George wouldn’t resolve the team’s core issues. Both players are integral to the team’s identity. Nurse, despite his championship pedigree, has struggled to get the stars to buy into his system. If the 76ers need a change, firing Nurse might be the simplest way to reset the team’s direction.
Daryl Morey Faces a Critical Decision
General manager Daryl Morey now faces one of the toughest decisions of his career. On paper, he built a championship-contending roster, but in practice, the pieces haven’t come together. Morey must decide whether to give Nurse more time or cut ties early in the season. History suggests that when teams underperform so dramatically, the coach often bears the brunt of the blame. If Nurse cannot turn things around quickly, the 76ers may be forced to move on.
Nick Nurse’s Job on the Line
The 76ers’ current course cannot continue. What began as championship aspirations has devolved into chaos, and the fanbase is growing increasingly frustrated. While some insiders say Nurse’s job is safe for now, time is running out. Unless the team can turn things around, Nick Nurse may be the first casualty of the season. Philadelphia’s future depends on solving their deepening issues—and whether Nurse is part of that solution remains uncertain.
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