Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse worked diligently with DeMar DeRozan over the years while he was the assistant coach in Toronto and the 51-year-old enjoyed his time working with the All-Star shooting guard.
DeRozan makes his much-anticipated return to Toronto on Friday as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. It's going to be an emotional night for DeMar and the Raptors fans.
Nurse says being able to work with DeRozan and watch him grow into an All-Star was like “artistry.”
"It was artistry, to me" – Nick Nurse on watching DeMar DeRozan develop and work on his game over the years.
Also said "I love DeMar," and he deserves the cheers he'll get but doesn't expect it to impact Raptors play.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) February 21, 2019
DeMar DeRozan is the Raptors' franchise leader in games played and points. He has career averages of 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists in a Toronto uniform and will go down as the best player in franchise history.
The trade which sent DeRozan to San Antonio and brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto was a tough one to make for the franchise, but the move has benefited both teams. DeRozan is averaging 21.4 points with the Spurs, while Leonard is putting up MVP numbers with Toronto.
DeRozan is going to get a standing ovation from the fans on Friday.
Knowing DeMar, he's going to look to put on a show against the Raptors, so Nick Nurse and his coaching staff have to be ready for that.
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