Nick Nurse under fire for brutal decision that is haunting 76ers

Nick Nurse is being called out on social media for the Philadelphia 76ers’ struggling offense, especially since he couldn’t even find minutes for Jared McCain before he got traded. With Joel Embiid out, the 76ers have really struggled, and fans have turned their attention to Nurse, as the team hasn’t been putting up many points.

During his rookie season, McCain was a driving force of the Sixers’ offense. Yet this year, he could barely get on the court, even being sent down to the G League at times. Now, he’s on the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing important minutes for them. Why couldn’t he play in Nurse’s rotation?

It’s a tough look for the Philadelphia head coach. At least, according to fans.

Nick Nurse's 76ers offense is struggling, yet Jared McCain couldn't get minutes (and got traded)

In February, the 76ers are just 2-6 when Embiid has been out. Obviously, he’s an elite player, so they’re going to struggle at least a little when he’s out of the lineup, but that’s still a tough showing.

Philadelphia has played some good opponents. They’ve lost to teams like the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves without Embiid, which makes some sense.

But losses to the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and New Orleans Pelicans? The Pelicans? That’s a tough pill to swallow, even with a guy like Embiid (and Paul George) out.

To make matters worse, the Sixers have been putting up some ugly offensive numbers. They scored 89 points against the New York Knicks on February 11, 98 points against the Celtics on March 1, and 91 points against the Spurs on March 3.

They lost that game to the Spurs by a score of 131-91. That’s a 40-point loss, for those of you counting at home.

Philadelphia’s offense has struggled, all the while, McCain has been cooking in Oklahoma City. Somehow, the reigning champions have found a way to get him on the court, but the middling 76ers couldn’t do that.

Nurse gave McCain some spot minutes here and there, but for the most part, he was not a part of the rotation. Again, he was playing in Delaware at times.

He’s playing more minutes now in OKC than he did in Philadelphia, and he’s been great. In fact, he just scored 20 points in a win over the Chicago Bulls, leading the Thunder in scoring.

And if that doesn’t sound impressive, the Thunder were missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. McCain was huge for them.

He could be giving the Sixers a much-needed offensive boost right now, but Nurse didn’t play him, so Daryl Morey traded him.

Not great.