After the Raptors fired Nick Nurse in April, the 56-year-old coach's future with Team Canada was thrown into doubt.
At the time, Canada Basketball declared that Nurse would remain the head coach of the national team. He had held the position since 2019 and was under contract through the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"Canada Basketball and our senior men's national team coach, Nick Nurse, are focused on this summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup and qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," Canada Basketball said in a statement to CBC Sports. "Nick will continue to be our head coach as we work to achieve our goals this summer and next."
Then, Nurse's plans changed. He took the 76ers job in early June before stepping down and helping Team Canada select a new head coach.
Why did Nurse relinquish his role?
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Why Nick Nurse isn't coaching Team Canada at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Sportsnet's Michael Grange reported in late June that Nurse walked away from Team Canada because the time commitment was "too much" after he became the head coach of the Sixers. TSN's Josh Lewenberg noted that it was an "amicable (albeit fairly sudden) parting of ways."
Nurse confirmed those reports with his official statement.
"I have made the difficult decision to step down as head coach of the senior men's national team for Canada Basketball," Nurse said. "It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to coach this team. This is not a decision I made lightly, and after discussing it with my family, I felt it was important to dedicate my time and energy to the new opportunity I have as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.
"I will support the transition however I can and truly appreciate the support and understanding from everyone at Canada Basketball. I am forever grateful to Canada Basketball and the amazing players, staff, and fans for embracing me and my family."
Nurse reportedly helped identify Jordi Fernandez as his replacement. Fernandez is currently the Kings' associate head coach and previously worked for the Cavaliers and Nuggets. He has also been an assistant on the international level.
"To have the chance to lead Canada this summer at the World Cup is a tremendously exciting opportunity and one I'm extremely grateful for," Fernandez said. "Not many international programs have the ceiling that this team does, and it is a testament to the hard work and development Canada Basketball, as well as Nick and his staff, have put in over the last several years."
Team Canada's roster for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Here is Canada's roster for the FIBA Basketball World Cup:
| Player | Height | Position |
| Kyle Alexander | 6-10 | Forward |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker | 6-5 | Guard |
| RJ Barrett | 6-6 | Guard |
| Trae Bell-Haynes | 6-2 | Guard |
| Dillon Brooks | 6-7 | Forward |
| Luguentz Dort | 6-3 | Guard |
| Zach Edey | 7-4 | Center |
| Melvin Ejim | 6-6 | Forward |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 6-6 | Guard |
| Kelly Olynyk | 7-0 | Center |
| Dwight Powell | 6-9 | Center |
| Phil Scrubb | 6-4 | Guard |
Team Canada schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Team Canada will be part of Group H at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Canadians will face France, Latvia and Lebanon in the group stage and play their games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Aug. 25 | vs. France | 9:30 a.m. |
| Aug. 27 | vs. Lebanon | 5:45 a.m. |
| Aug. 29 | vs. Latvia | 9:30 a.m. |
When is the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
- Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
- Locations: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will begin on Friday, Aug. 25. The group stage will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.
The championship game will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10.
How to watch 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup: TV channels and live streams
- Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
- TV channels: ESPN2
- Live stream: ESPN+ | Courtside 1891 | Sling TV
In the United States, all 92 FIBA Basketball World Cup games will be available to watch on either ESPN2 or ESPN+. Basketball fans can also stream the games via Courtside 1891 or Sling TV.
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