Rapture

Fifteen Teams, Four Countries, One NBA Championship, and How to Find a Way to Win - Damn Near Anywhere

By: Nick Nurse, Michael Sokolove, Phil Jackson

Narrated by: Cameron Scoggins

Nick Nurse distills the wisdom, insight, and experiences that helped him lead the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship in his first year as head coach.

Foreword by Phil Jackson.

NBA fans had low expectations for rookie coach Nick Nurse and his Toronto Raptors. But what those naysayers didn't realize was that Nurse had spent the past 30 years proving himself at every level of the game, from youth programs and college ball to the NBA D League and Britain's struggling pro circuit. While few coaches have taken such a circuitous path to pro basketball's promised land, the journey - which began at Kuemper Catholic high school in Carroll, Iowa - forged a coach who proved to be as unshakable as he is personable.

On the road, he is known to bring his guitar and keyboard for late-night jazz and blues sessions. In the locker room, he's steadfast and even-keeled regardless of the score. On the court, he pulls out old-school tactics with astounding success. A rookie in name but a veteran in attitude, Nurse is seemingly above the chaos of the game and, with only two seasons on his résumé, has already established himself as one of the NBA's most admired head coaches.

Now, in this revealing new book - equal parts personal memoir, leadership mani­festo, and philosophical meditation - Nurse tells his own story. Given unprecedented access inside the Raptors' locker room, listeners get an intimate study of not only the team culture he has built, but also of a rookie coach's unique dynamic with the star players - such as Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Low­ry, and Pascal Siakam - who helped trail­blaze the 2019 championship run. As much for listeners of Ray Dalio as for fans of John Wooden and Pat Summitt, Rapture promis­es to be a necessary listen for anyone looking to forge their own path to success.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Nick Nurse, Michael Sokolove and Phil Jackson (P)2020 Little, Brown & Company

Critic reviews

“When the Toronto Raptors clinched our country’s first NBA Championship in the spring of 2019, they created a once-in-a-lifetime moment that brought Canadians together. Through Coach Nick’s leadership and vision, this hard-fought victory brought us to our feet, inspired heroes and role models for our children, and united us all. The Raptors are truly Canada’s team - and we’re proud of the exceptional role Coach Nick plays.” (The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada)

“There’s plenty in this book for everyone. Whether you’re a coach, player or just a curious person, Nick’s journey reveals many lessons in the pursuit of personal growth and excellence - and the benefits that accrue to those willing to bet on themselves.” (Steve Nash, eight-time NBA All-Star)

“Nick Nurse didn’t just work his way to the top. He lead his way to the top. He’s won everywhere he’s been as a coach for a reason. His leadership, story and principles will encourage and empower you. This book is a must read!” (Jon Gordon, best-selling author of The Power of Positive Leadership)

It’s easy to root for Nick Nurse after hearing his story

I loved the Xs and Os he shares about how to run everything: a team, an out of bounds play, an offseason shooting camp he shares it all. Awesome listen and made me a big fan of Nick nurse.

Fine book for bball enthusiasts

I've listened to the vast majority of more popular audiobooks on NBA and this one has been on the wishlist for a while. Nick Nurse did have an unusual path to the NBA and it was interesting to hear his story. Good length of the book as quite a few of them tend to drag way too long. Was pleased that a substantial part of the book was dedicatad to the victorious Raptors season with some additional insights into Kawhi's personality.

It's about the journey

This is a very good read for anyone that understands that it is about the journey, not just the end results. I'd recommend this to any aspiring coach or anyone about to start their individual journey.

awesome

it was a very easy read....it was a breeze.... very informing and entertaining. narrator nailed what would have been the tone.

Great coaching story

As a youth coach with no NBA experience, this book gave a lot of insights and referred to some other great readings.
Very glad I listened- took A LOT of notes!

Nick's story was great! Narrator disappointing

As a long time Raptors fan, I found Nick's story very inspiring. In addition to being entertained by his journey, there are great lessons from his leadership and coaching style. Definitely worth a listen.

On the other hand, I found it very disappointing and frankly disrespectful that the narrator and the editors at Hachette Audio found the time to make sure they got the pronunciation right for Derby and Birmingham in England, but about oh 100 times mispronounced Toronto (probably the most repeated word in the whole book after Carroll Iowa).

Inspiring with humility

This is an underrated story about the different paths to excellence. Would recommend for all basketball fans and coaches at any level. Well done, Nick!

Business and sports have many parallels

you do not need to be a raptors fan to enjoy this book. Nick does a great job demonstrating many of the things that will make you successful in sports and business.

I do wish the narrators did not try and sound like the author... it usually doesn't come off well... and this reading is no exception.