76ers forward reveals difference between Nurse, Rivers

New Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

76ers forward reveals difference between Nick Nurse, Doc Rivers

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/4/23

Nick Nurse was hired as the Philadelphia 76ers new head coach earlier this summer. Nurse is replacing Doc Rivers, who was released by the franchise following another unsuccessful postseason run. Like Rivers, Nurse has won one NBA championship in his coaching career. However, that's where the similarities end.

According to Danuel House, who spent last season playing for Rivers, Nurse's system has a core difference. The 30-year-old forward noted how Philadelphia's new coach wants to implement a more egalitarian approach to the game.

"It's just a lot more selfless basketball. It's just not so much of two guys having the ball. Doc is two guys' ball dominant. Nick Nurse is everybody play together, everybody work for each other. Help, cut, get your brother open shots. We can see the difference night and day."

Danuel House praises Nick Nurse

“[Doc Rivers] is two guys ball dominant, Nick Nurse is everybody play together, everybody work for each other”

(h/t @PHLY_Sixers )

pic.twitter.com/yEetTMUnMI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 4, 2023

The Sixers are dealing with a lot of off-court drama. Nurse's first few months with the organization have been overshadowed by James Harden's trade request.

Without a secondary star alongside Joel Embiid, a more team-centric style of basketball is essential. Finding contributions from the role players will empower the roster to pull together.

If Daryl Morey and Nurse can convince Harden to stay, great. If not, a close-knit roster will help Nurse ride out the storm to come. Furthermore, Nurse is known to be an innovative coach. During his time with the Toronto Raptors, Nurse bought the "box-and-one" defensive coverage into the NBA limelight. The Sixers will need some of that innovation to keep them competitive without Harden or a potential replacement.

Nurse was hired to change the Sixers' style of basketball and to raise the ceiling of the roster while also improving the younger talent under contract. Nurse will need time. He will also need players who are committed to the franchise. Otherwise, he will be destined to fail.

More must-reads: