The Sixer Sense
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All-Star Break Assignments For Philadelphia 76ers Execs Just Network

Bret Stuter|
Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jerry Colangelo (R) is introduced as special advisor to the Philadelphia 76ers during a press conference with owner Joshua Harris (M) and general manager Sam Hinkie (L) before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jerry Colangelo (R) is introduced as special advisor to the Philadelphia 76ers during a press conference with owner Joshua Harris (M) and general manager Sam Hinkie (L) before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With a pause in the action, there is much to discuss about the future of the Philadelphia 76ers and the outcome of this last leg of the season. But it’s a certainty that the Sixers won’t be playoff bound this year. So without post season, the Philadelphia 76ers execs can focus on one thing: Networking

Now is the time for paths to be blazed, bonds to be forged. Now the best of the NBA gathers to compete, best against best. In that process, the Philadelphia 76ers are represented by center Jahlil Okafor who played in the Rising Stars Challenge. Nik Stauskas, stepping outside of the basketball role, took on the assignment of guest sports commentator throughout the week’s events. And then there is the ceremonial roles of established NBA executives such as Jerry Colangelo, coaches Mike D’Antoni and Brett Brown, and president / general manager Sam Hinkie.

This week for the organization is more than a break, more than a gathering of NBA elite to showcase their talents on a basketball court.  This is an opportunity to plug the Philadelphia 76ers into the radar of agents players and executives going forward. For two years, the Sixers have been the brunt of many jokes and ridicules, and as a result the reputation of the team has been somewhat tarnished. So Jerry Colangelo can help the team by getting his face out there, the message out there as well.

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Public relations is part of the process now. Creating a culture of winning is imperative. That’s the goal now folks, getting face time and building our reputation in the industry.

In a long term plan, there is a long term view of business. Basketball has marketing aspects among teams — some general managers get along better than others.  Some agents have a better repertoire with part of the NBA, while simply business with others. That’s networking. That’s the term used to describe the list of people you would call first with good news, first with bad news, and first with offers to deal players or to discuss team needs.

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But creating that network is not done directly. It’s the person you meet at a restaurant and strike up a conversation with. It’s a person who asks about your family, and remember their names and to ask about them again when you meet for a second time. It’s the person who takes the time to learn a little bit about you.  Why?

Players, agents, NBA team executives all  have one thing in common. They simply want to be important to someone, just as we do. That’s Jerry Colangelo’s wheel house. Most believe that the only thing that matters to an NBA player is the team’s record. I disagree. I believe what matters to a player is the feeling of accomplishing something significant as a team. Teams that have fun together attract other players as much as laughter in a room makes others turn to see what all the laughter is about.  Right now, Jerry Colangelo is simply laughing around other executives, agents and players.  For now, just noticing the Philadelphia 76ers is enough.

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Tomorrow, when the team is seeking NBA talent to sign to the team, this will all pay off.  But for now, the goal is to laugh a little louder and listen a little more closely.