The Sixers are in the midst of a coaching search after Doug Collins resigned at the end of the season. So far we have heard about Jeff Hornacek and Mike Malone, assistants in Utah and Golden State, but not many other names. The man I want to run this team next season is Brian Shaw.

Shaw has been an assistant coach in Indiana since 2011, so they will need to wait until the Pacers season is over to talk to him. Before the Pacers, Shaw was an assistant for the Lakers from 2004 till 2011, where he served under Phil Jackson and won two titles.

He played 13 seasons in the NBA for Boston, Miami, Orlando, Golden State, Portland, Los Angeles and even played 20 games in Philadelphia in 1997. Shaw played both guard spots and could help the development of Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner.

Being a first time coach he could develop with a young team that has some experience but has not had a ton of success as a unit. He also has picked some very smart basketball minds in the legendary Phil Jackson and one of the best up-and-coming coaches Frank Vogel. Now that they have a new General Manager in place, once the Pacers season is over, they need to offer Shaw the job.

Most Improved:

Damien Wilkins provided a spark for the Sixers when put in the starting lineup.

This is award will be split by two players, Damien Wilkins and Spencer Hawes. Believe me, I am not one of Spencer Hawes’ biggest fans, but he impressed me at points in the second half of the season. Hawes averaged 11 points and 7  rebounds per game, and had some massive rebounding performances over the second half. On the defensive end, he needs to learn to stop gravitating to the perimeter and play more in the post. He also needs to shoot more mid range shots and stop forcing the three ball.

Damien Wilkins began the year deep on the Sixers bench, and was a guy you would only see in blowouts. Wilkins averaged 6 points and 2 assists this season and found his way into the starting lineup for the final month. He provided solid defense and a spark of energy on the court that fueled them in some games.

Least Improved:

Evan Turner has talent but is not consistent at all.

This award goes to Mr. Inconsistency himself, Evan Turner. Turner averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, but was invisible in many big games this season. He has the potential to be a go-to scorer, but just doesn’t bring it every night. Turner also needs to learn his range and stop trying to be a three point shooter, where he shot 32 percent for the season. If he gets it together and improves his game, he could be a nice compliment to Jrue Holiday.

Player To Look Forward To:

Moultrie only averaged 11 minutes a game but showed signs of his potential at power forward.

Due in large part to the Andrew Bynum trade, the Sixers do not have a ton of youth to look forward to. One player that does look like he has a bright future is Arnett Moultrie. He only averaged 11 minutes per game, which was very frustrating, but showed flashes of potential at this level. Moultrie averaged 4 points and 3 rebounds in his limited role. If he develops under a new coach, the Sixers may have found their starting power forward for years to come.

Team MVP:

Holiday is their best player and leader on and off the court.

Minus watching the playoffs from home, this was a break out year for Jrue Holiday. He went to his first All Star game and was considered to be an elite player at his position in the league. Holiday averaged 18 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds a game, and was the leader on and off the court for the Sixers. He has such a versatile game, being able to drive to the basket and knock down the three ball. He needs to improve on his ball security and sometimes needs to be less selfish in big situations. As long as Jrue continues his development, point guard will not be a question mark in Philly.