Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse set to lead Canada at World Cup

After guiding the Toronto Raptors to its first NBA title, Nick Nurse is preparing to coach Canada.

Nick Nurse: "It fits in OK. I'm just giving up some vacation time." Photo: AP

NBA championship-winning head coach Nick Nurse plans to lead Canada at this year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

Nurse guided the Raptors to their first title after dethroning two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors. With a championship under his belt, Nurse is now set to coach a Canada team potentially boasting Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray and Cory Joseph when the World Cup starts in August.

"I'm getting ready to take another situation soon because I think it's going to make me a better coach," the 51-year-old — who landed the Larry O'Brien Trophy in his rookie season — told reporters on Sunday.

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Pressed on whether he was talking about Canada, which is looking for a new coach after Jay Triano stepped down in March, Nurse confirmed a deal was "just about done."

Nurse added: "It's something I'm looking forward to doing... I learned a lot as a coach in that run and I'm hoping this experience will do the same. It's a unique time with the World Cup and the Olympics within a short 13- to 14-month window. And it fits in OK. I'm just giving up some vacation time."

Canada will come up against Australia, led by Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons, Lithuania and Senegal in Group H at the World Cup.