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Whether it was teaching high school history, driving the school bus, or working for free, the NBA's newest head coach has a journey you won't even believe.
Time for a thread
Time for a thread
1) Nate Bjorkgren, born and raised in Iowa, grew up with an intense passion for sports.
Throughout his childhood, Bjorkgren played football, basketball, baseball and ran track.
When college came around, Bjorkgren chose basketball — walking on at the University of South Dakota.
Throughout his childhood, Bjorkgren played football, basketball, baseball and ran track.
When college came around, Bjorkgren chose basketball — walking on at the University of South Dakota.
2) Nate Bjorkgren's career at South Dakota was short lived, as he transferred to Buena Vista College after two years.
But prior to leaving, he formed one relationship that would change his life forever.
With who?
Nick Nurse — an assistant coach at South Dakota.
But prior to leaving, he formed one relationship that would change his life forever.
With who?
Nick Nurse — an assistant coach at South Dakota.
3) In 1999, Nate Bjorkgren graduated college with a singular focus.
“I knew I wanted to coach basketball.”
But his only offer came from a high school in Iowa — where he would have to coach basketball & baseball, teach history, and drive the school bus.
He accepted anyways.
“I knew I wanted to coach basketball.”
But his only offer came from a high school in Iowa — where he would have to coach basketball & baseball, teach history, and drive the school bus.
He accepted anyways.
4) After 8-yrs coaching HS basketball, Nate Bjorkgren finally got an opportunity to take the next step.
The Iowa Energy, of the NBA D-League, hired Nick Nurse as head coach — who subsequently offered Bjorkgren a job.
The only problem?
It was unpaid — Bjorkgren accepted anyways
The Iowa Energy, of the NBA D-League, hired Nick Nurse as head coach — who subsequently offered Bjorkgren a job.
The only problem?
It was unpaid — Bjorkgren accepted anyways
5) For the next 3 years, Bjorkgren worked "12-14-16 hour days" as an assistant under Nick Nurse.
Bjorkgren's Salary
Year 1: 0
Year 2: $500
Year 3: $2,500
To pay his bills, Bjorkgren worked part-time as a gym teacher.
It paid off though, culminating with a championship in 2011.
Bjorkgren's Salary
Year 1: 0
Year 2: $500
Year 3: $2,500
To pay his bills, Bjorkgren worked part-time as a gym teacher.
It paid off though, culminating with a championship in 2011.
6) After winning the D-League Championship in 2011, Nate Bjorkgren finally got his own opportunity.
As head coach, Bjorkgren took the Dakota Wizards to the Championship in his 3rd year.
The opposing coach?
Nick Nurse — who got the best of him, winning his 2nd D-League title.
As head coach, Bjorkgren took the Dakota Wizards to the Championship in his 3rd year.
The opposing coach?
Nick Nurse — who got the best of him, winning his 2nd D-League title.
7) Nate Bjorkgren spent the next 5-yrs as D-League head coach and player development coordinator for the Phoenix Suns.
But in 2018, the paths of Nick Nurse and Nate Bjorkgren crossed again.
The Raptors promoted Nurse to HC and he immediately called Bjorkgren offering him a job.
But in 2018, the paths of Nick Nurse and Nate Bjorkgren crossed again.
The Raptors promoted Nurse to HC and he immediately called Bjorkgren offering him a job.
8) Since naming Nurse head coach in 2018, and hiring Bjorkgren as an assistant, the Raptors have been one of the best teams in the NBA — winning the 2019 NBA championship in the process.
Nate Bjorkgren now faces his own test, as the newest head coach of the Indiana Pacers.
Nate Bjorkgren now faces his own test, as the newest head coach of the Indiana Pacers.
9) Nate Bjorkgren is the perfect example of continuing to chase your dream, no matter what obstacles are in the way.
Are G-League coaches criminally underpaid?
Yes — but Nate Bjorkgren showed up anyways, never made excuses, and worked his way to the top.
Believe in your dreams
Are G-League coaches criminally underpaid?
Yes — but Nate Bjorkgren showed up anyways, never made excuses, and worked his way to the top.
Believe in your dreams
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