By clicking “Accept,” you agree to the use of cookies and similar technologies on your device as set forth in our Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy. Please note that certain cookies are essential for this website to function properly and do not require user consent to be deployed.

Rapture

Fifteen Teams, Four Countries, One NBA Championship, and How to Find a Way to Win -- Damn Near Anywhere

Contributors

By Nick Nurse

With Michael Sokolove

Foreword by Phil Jackson

Formats and Prices

Price

$15.99

Price

$20.99 CAD

This item is a preorder. Your payment method will be charged immediately, and the product is expected to ship on or around October 13, 2020. This date is subject to change due to shipping delays beyond our control.

Nick Nurse distills the wisdom, insight, and experiences that helped him lead the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship in his first year as head coach.
 
Foreword by Phil Jackson.
 
NBA fans had modest  expectations for rookie coach Nick Nurse and his Toronto Raptors. But what those naysayers didn't realize was that Nurse had spent the past thirty years proving himself at every level of the game, from youth programs and college ball to the NBA D League and Britain's struggling pro circuit. While few coaches have taken such a circuitous path to pro basketball's promised land, the journey-which began at Kuemper Catholic high school in Carroll, Iowa-forged a coach who proved to be as unshakable as he is personable.

On the road, he is known to bring his guitar and keyboard for late-night jazz and blues sessions. In the locker room, he's steadfast and even-keeled regardless of the score. On the court, he pulls out old-school tactics with astounding success. A rookie in name but a veteran in attitude, Nurse is seemingly above the chaos of the game and, with only two seasons on his résumé, has already established himself as one of the NBA's most admired head coaches.

Now, in this revealing new book-equal parts personal memoir, leadership mani­festo, and philosophical meditation-Nurse tells his own story. Given unprecedented access inside the Raptors' locker room, readers get an intimate study of not only the team culture he has built, but also of a rookie coach's unique dynamic with the star players-such as Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Low­ry, and Pascal Siakam-who helped trail­blaze the 2019 championship run. As much for readers of Ray Dalio as for fans of John Wooden and Pat Summitt, Rapture promis­es to be a necessary read for anyone looking to forge their own path to success.

 

  • “When the Toronto Raptors clinched our country’s first NBA Championship in the spring of 2019, they created a once-in-a-lifetime moment that brought Canadians together. Through Coach Nick’s leadership and vision, this hard-fought victory brought us to our feet, inspired heroes and role models for our children, and united us all. The Raptors are truly Canada’s team – and we’re proud of the exceptional role Coach Nick plays.”
    The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
  • “There’s plenty in this book for everyone. Whether you’re a coach, player or just a curious person, Nick’s journey reveals many lessons in the pursuit of personal growth and excellence – and the benefits that accrue to those willing to bet on themselves.”
    Steve Nash, eight-time NBA All-Star
  • “Nick Nurse didn’t just work his way to the top. He lead his way to the top. He’s won everywhere he’s been as a coach for a reason. His leadership, story and principles will encourage and empower you. This book is a must read!”
    Jon Gordon, bestselling author of The Power of Positive Leadership
  • "A first rate basketball book."
    Booklist
  • "An engaging account for fans of the Toronto Raptors or for readers who also enjoyed Phil Jackson’s Eleven Rings."
    Library Journal
  • This inspiring take on turning a dream into a dream job is pure joy for basketball fans. 
    Publishers Weekly
  • "The true story of a basketball coach taking the long, often difficult road to the NBA."
    Kirkus

On Sale
Oct 13, 2020
Page Count
272 pages
ISBN-13
9780316540162

Nick Nurse

About the Author

Nick Nurse, born and raised in Carroll, Iowa, is an American basketball coach and is currently coaching the Toronto Raptors in the NBA.

Michael Sokolove is a longtime contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine and the author of seven previous books.


Learn more about this author