Nov 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts to a non foul call against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Pacers won 112-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Brett Brown Hired as Philadelphia 76ers head coach
The 24th head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers has not had a winning season, in fact has not had enough wins to date in his third NBA career as head coach of the Sixers to even turn .500 in one year. But the hiring of new england/austrailian accened Brett Brown ranks as one of the top 30 moments of Philadelphia 76ers history.
“To be here is surreal. I can still see Doc and George McGinnis and trying to take their photos (as a kid),” Brown said after he was hired to replace Doug Collins.
The Sixers were at a cross roads when they brought on team president and general manager Sam Hinkie. They could tread water and try to remain average at best, or they could start over by shedding large veteran contracts and stockpiling future NBA assets in the form of draft picks, prospects stashed overseas, and loading the roster with undrafted players who might pan out for the team.
But few coaches would welcome the opportunity to ride a team down to the depths before resurfacing many years later. Who would risk their NBA careers at a chance of success in these odds?
Brett Brown.
Sam Hinkie said it best when he introduced their new coach:
“We went through an exhaustive search to find the right head coach for our organization, one who had a passion for developing talent, a strong work ethic to help create the kind of culture we hope for, and a desire to continually improve,” general manager Sam Hinkie said. “Brett has all of that. He also has a wealth of experience as a head coach and a championship pedigree, to boot. We are delighted to welcome him as our coach, and I am invigorated for the two of us to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
The Sixers are in year three of what is likely to be up to a seven year rebuilding process. So far, the team has managed to stockpile talent in the form of Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, gather as many as four first round draft picks in the 2016 NBA draft, and retain the rights to a number of prospects who play internationally–the most notable being Dario Saric.
Brown embraced the buzz surrounding Sam Hinkie – from basketball analytics to a slow painful rebuilding process. But Brett Brown also is ideally positioned to serve as mentor to the legion of young men who are working to build a successful NBA career.
Few can stand in Brett Brown’s shoes. No other can stand so proudly.
Next: Drafting Jahlil Okafor