Nick Nurse has pointed to the passion and work ethic that makes Fabulous Flournoy the perfect fit for NBA giants Philadelphia 76ers.
Two of British basketball’s most storied playcallers moved from Toronto Raptors to the Canadian franchise’s Eastern Conference rivals this summer.
And recruiting former Newcastle Eagles favourite Flournoy to the 76ers’ backroom staff was a no-brainer for 2020 NBA Coach of the Year Nurse.
“Fab joined our staff here in Philly after being with me for four years in Toronto,” explained Nurse.
“He proved himself as an NBA coach during that time.
“Fab first played for me in Birmingham in the British Basketball League and was one of my favourite players to have played for me all those years ago.
“He has tremendous passion and work ethic and is a great teacher and motivator. He gives 100% every day to our staff and players.”
Flournoy called time on an illustrious career with the Eagles in 2019 when the popular New Yorker was offered the opportunity to hook up with Nurse in the NBA.
Initially appointed as an assistant video coordinator at the Raptors, the record-breaking coach quickly moved on to a more hands on player-development role.
And after news broke that Nurse was succeeding Doc Rivers at the 76ers helm it seemed inevitable that two close friends and colleagues would reprise their partnership in Philly.
“I’m very grateful and excited for the opportunity the Sixers have afforded me,” said Flournoy.
“To be a part of an iconic franchise and working with the best of the best players and staff is incredible!
“I am living the dream, working alongside Nick Nurse.
“He is inspirational, creative and unique. He has one of the greatest basketball minds in our game today.”
The 76ers are home to reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid and will tip off the 2023/24 campaign in October as one of a slew of top-ranked title contenders.
But it seems increasingly likely that unsettled guard James Harden won’t be part of Nurse’s Philly revolution with the former league MVP angling for a trade to Los Angeles.
Flournoy is expected to grow the role he honed in Toronto, mixing video analysis with one-to-one player development.
And after a brief return to Tyneside in the summer, the 50-year-old is fully focused on helping Nurse to shape the future of basketball in Philadelphia.
“Everyone involved with the Eagles organisation continues to support every step of Fab’s career and we’re excited for the next chapter,” said Paul Blake, Managing Director, Newcastle Eagles.
“Fab won 24 trophies as our head coach and so we’re well aware of the drive, determination and desire he brings to a basketball organisation day in, day out.
“Nick knows him better than most and I have no doubt that they will continue to enjoy success together with the 76ers.”
The NBA schedule is expected to be released later this month and will feature the autumn In-Season Tournament for the first time.
