The story of LeBron James calling Nick Nurse at an Iowa golf course
LeBron James allegedly called Nick Nurse while the 76ers coach was golfing in Carroll, Iowa, weeks before the NBA superstar signed with Philadelphia.
In the annals of NBA history, Carroll National Golf Club in western Iowa will be remembered for a pivotal moment when LeBron James, the NBA's reigning superstar, called Head Coach Nick Nurse during a golf round at the course. According to The Athletic's Brendan Quinn, the encounter occurred after James, a 22-time All-Star and free agent, inquired about potential roles within a hypothetical Philadelphia 76ers team.
Nurse, a Carroll native and former player, responded affirmatively, expressing his openness to discuss the proposal.
James, amidst a highly publicized free agency period, sought to gather information about Nurse's coaching style, team dynamics, and how James might fit within the organization. While the exact details of Nurse's response to James' queries remain undisclosed, Quinn inferred that the conversation likely influenced James' decision to sign with the 76ers.
Two weeks post-conversation, on July 24, the day of Nurse's 59th birthday, James announced his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers on social media. A Carroll resident who witnessed the encounter reported that Nurse, upon returning to the clubhouse, excitedly relayed the news, stating, "You'll never believe who I just got off the phone with."
However, Nurse himself disputed this account, asserting that he kept the conversation private. He explained that the golf course, which had been the Carroll Country Club since its opening in 1922, held deep personal significance for him and his family, who had been members for over three decades.
In February 2024, Nurse made the decision to purchase the golf course, renaming it Carroll National Golf Club to shed what Quinn described as its "perceived country club vibes." Since its acquisition, Nurse has invested in renovations, including upgrades to the clubhouse bar and the introduction of an annual multiday golf-and-music festival. The 76ers, coached by Nurse since 2023-24, are set to commence their regular season on October 20 against the New York Knicks.
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