“This is the best team we’ve seen so far this year,” Nick Nurse said, about the Houston Rockets, during the pre-game press conference. With a 13-6 win record, the Western Conference franchise had certainly created a good impression upon the 76ers head coach, who may have wanted nothing better than to trade places. After all, with a 3-13 win record, Nurse’s franchise has been performing at an abysmal level this season. The record has now gone down even further, as the 76ers recently lost to the Rockets by a 122-115 score. In light of this, the head coach now isn’t in the mood to give away handouts.

During the post-game presser, Nick Nurse was asked about Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and Reggie Jackson. While Lowry was any way out of the 76ers-Rockets matchup due to injury, Gordon and Miller saw their minutes decrease in the game. In light of this, a reporter wanted to know more about the process of ‘bringing them in.’ Nurse, however, made it known that the veterans need to prove they deserve the extended minutes, stating “I mean, I think the biggest thing is, we’ve certainly given those guys ample opportunity to earn more minutes. All right. That’s it. They gotta earn it.”

The veteran trio is amongst the oldest on the 76ers roster, with Kyle Lowry being 38 years of age. Due to their years of experience, they have been receiving ample minutes on the court during the ongoing season. Unfortunately, the same has failed to convert to proper results. For his 24.2 minutes average, Kyle Lowry has contributed only 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. In his 16.9-minute average, Eric Gordon contributed 5.1 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. For his 12.6-minute average, Reggie Jackson has made 4.4 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. The strategy of giving the veterans minutes does not seem to have worked.

In light of this, Nick Nurse has decided on a ‘Go Hard or Go Home’ mindset. After all, if a 3-14 record isn’t a good enough wake-up call, then what is?

Amid the woeful win record, Nick Nurse himself may be on the chopping block. After all, having joined the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2023, and already having gotten the team to this situation, isn’t a good sign. Fortunately, the head coach seems to have the confidence of the people, for now.

Insider reveals to not expect “any overreactions” from 76ers regarding Nick Nurse and players

It is no secret that things are worse off for the Philadelphia 76ers. Not just because of the win record, though. From Paul George’s $100k fine to back-to-back player injuries, including the leaked team meeting details, things have not been looking good. Therefore, if there was ever a moment to make a change, it is now. From the looks of it, however, the 76ers management is still holding to some hope.

A few days ago, NBA Insider Jake Fischer released a report. According to it, “Front office figures and coaches speak in near consensus that a team needs 20 games of sample size to draw any real conclusions. Morey cares — and Philadelphia’s ownership group has consistently agreed — more about upside and high-end outcomes. So don’t expect any overreactions coming from the #Sixers’ waterfront facilities in Camden, N.J.”

As of now, the 76ers have played 17 of their games. Even if they were to win the rest of the 3 games, and everyone else in the Eastern Conference loses theirs, the franchise would still be below the top 10 on the points chart. Despite this, the 76ers management is looking at the good things. Furthermore, being the early part of the season, the squad may be able to turn things around. Nick Nurse believes it as well, since he recently stated “There’s still a lot of good communication, good schemes, etc., things happening, right? And again, and just trying to reiterate those things, and just trying to reiterate some of the things we need to improve on.”

Time is running out for Nick Nurse and the Philadelphia 76ers. The management still has hope for them. However, the same may not last long.