The Sixers have a new head coach. After yet another 2nd round exit, they decided it was time for a coaching change. Doc Rivers was fired, and the head coach search began. Although Daryl Morey told us it would be a long search, it turns out that was not true. Nick Nurse was the first guy the Sixers interviewed. They brought in a couple more guys for an interview, but they went back to the fire interview. A few days back it was reported the Sixers were hiring Nick Norse to be their next coach. And today they introduced Nick Nurse as the next head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

He spoke to the media for the first time today, giving Sixers fans their first taste of what he is like. but shortly after that, he also joined us on the Best Show Ever. He talked about a range of things. His plans to get more out of Embiid. What type of defense he would run? What he thinks Tyrese Maxey’s ceiling could be. Why he chose to coach the Sixers when he reportedly had other offers? What type of person Sixers fans will be seeing in him as the coach And much more.

Here is some of what Nick Nurse had to say when he joined us earlier today:

• Why He Chose Philadelphia

  “There are 3 things you evaluate when you are lucky enough to have a choice. The roster, which I know from competing against, and really like it. The front office. I have known Daryl for a long time. His track record of putting together a roster speaks for itself. And then ownership, and you have great owners here.”

• His First Job As Coach

  “The first thing you have to do is get a vison for the season. You say the vison is to win a championship, and it is. But there are a lot of things in that vision. How you will play. How you do accountabillity. Philosophies. All kind of things go into that. That is the plan that follows that vison.”

• On If He Can Get More Out Of Embiid

  “Well I hope so. Each year a player needs to strive to get better. Getting more out of him means winning a championship. The numbers may not be the same but that doesn’t matter when you get to the playoffs. Getting a little bit out of him  and some other guys will be important.”

• On Tyrese Maxey

  “I think he has a super bright future. He has a combination of a bunch of things that make him exciting. First of all he loves the game. His work ethic. He has a tremendous amount of god given ability. And he is getting better fast. If he can continue to stay with things, I think he has a super super bright future.”

• On How Aggressive His Defense Will Be

  “I like to be aggressive an put pressure and take things away. Our coaching staff will do a good job of designing schemes. But it’s a little bit too early. All it needs to do is what fits them.  Hopefully at times when we need it it is really nasty. At certain points that defense needs to be tough. Defense still wins.”

• On What Kind Of Human Being He Is

  “First off all, I am the youngest of 9. That environment is very good for becoming a basketball coach You wake up and you are fighting for a bowl and some cereal. That is what it feels like when the ball goes up. I instinctively kick in to start fighting for a win. When people leave the game, I hope people are saying those guys played hard. They did everything they could to win the game. That is the main focus of my job. To max out the effort and max out what guys are capable of.”

• On Philly Fans

  “I have experienced it, playing here all the time. We like it. The energy in that arena is unique and special. Hopefully we can use that as a positive.”

• You Can Listen To The Full Conversation Below

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