A key figure in Devin Booker’s accelerated development over the last few seasons has found another NBA home. Former Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson is finalizing a deal to join Nick Nurse’s as an assistant on his Toronto Raptors staff.
After being pursued by multiple teams, former Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson is finalizing a deal to join the Toronto Raptors coaching staff, league sources tell @YahooSports. Devin Booker credited Watson for his accelerated development. pic.twitter.com/I1FQYpBkmr
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 26, 2021
Initially reported by Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, Watson’s hire comes weeks after former assistant Jama Mahlalela left their developmental staff to join the Golden State Warriors coaching staff.
Watson spent three seasons at the helm of the Suns, going 33-85 in that time.
He’s the first replacement for an organization that has lost three assistants over the past year to head coaching jobs: Nate Bjorkgren (Indiana Pacers), Chris Finch (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Sergio Scariolo (Virtus Bologna).
