Nick Nurse reveals what 76ers are lacking to get on ‘same level’ as Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse acknowledged Tuesday that his team still has work to do before matching the defending NBA champion New York Knicks.
His assessment came ahead of Philadelphia’s season opener at Madison Square Garden, where New York was preparing to celebrate its first title since 1973.
The 76ers enter the 2026-27 campaign with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joining Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
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However, Nurse, who guided the Toronto Raptors to the 2019 championship, believes Philadelphia must improve beyond its star-studded lineup.
The New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield shared Nurse’s assessment Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter, ahead of the Sixers’ opening-night matchup against the Knicks.
“Nick Nurse says the Sixers need more size at the wing and depth on their roster to consider themselves on the same level as the Knicks.”
The remarks follow New York’s sweep of Philadelphia in the 2026 Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks later defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, ending a 53-year title drought.
New York’s championship lineup featured versatile wings OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Their combination of defensive versatility and rebounding created difficult matchups for Philadelphia.
Philadelphia made major offseason moves, signing James in free agency and acquiring Brown in a trade with the Boston Celtics. VJ Edgecombe also returns following an impressive rookie campaign.
Still, Nurse’s comments suggest that high-profile additions alone have not addressed every concern.
Philadelphia finished 45-37 last season and eliminated the Celtics before falling to New York. Tuesday’s opener offers the revamped team an immediate test against the reigning champions.
For now, Nurse views roster balance as a key difference between the two Eastern Conference rivals.
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