The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Potential Philadelphia 76ers Assistant Coach Candidates

By Bret Stuter

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 8
Next
Mar 15, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl reacts during an NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Lakers 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl reacts during an NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Lakers 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

George Karl

Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer. Or is it the enemy of my enemy is my ally?  In any case the Sacramento Kings parted way with the ineffective but always outspoken George Karl this off-season.   Karl, as you may recall, was very outspoken about the strategy of former president Sam Hinkie while his own team was struggling.

But Hinkie is no longer in Philadelphia, and George Karl is no longer in Sacramento.  Is this destiny?

Live Feed

NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season /

Sir Charles In Charge

  • NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24 Sir Charles In Charge
  • NBA Christmas Day games: Full schedule and how to watch FanSided
  • NBA Rumors: Joel Embiid willing to 'ride out' James Harden situation? Sir Charles In Charge
  • NBA rumors: 76ers core willing to mend fences with James Harden FanSided
  • NBA rumors: James Harden may have been behind Doc Rivers firing FanSided

    • It could be. Karl is another assistant coaching prospect with nearby roots, originally from Penn Hills Pennsylvania. His coaching record, amassed over a span of 27 years of NBA experience, is 1175 wins to 824 losses. His playoff record is 80 wins to 105 losses. To take this team to the next level, Karl’s name should certainly be considered.

    Karl is a passionate coach, and demands 100% from his players.  That has gotten him at odds with star caliber players who do not play up to their potential on all plays.  Karl hammers repeatedly the need to play at a fast basketball pace and wants his players to constantly push the pace and attack the rim with the dribble, while also moving the ball as rapidly as possible. A lot of players would say that’s how they like to play, but it takes excellent conditioning and tons of work to actually pull it off possession after possession.

    Karl earned the nickname “Furious George,” which says it all,  and he will use the media to call out players he feels are not giving full effort.  “Respect the game” is one of his favorite phrases.  His style would be a perfect “bad cop” to the “good cop” demeanor of Brett Brown, and the blend could be incredibly effective, particularly in a city of Philadelphia which already sets a high bar for player effort.  Would Karl consider an assistant position at this stage of his career?  Perhaps not, but he would be the type of assistant that the Colangelo family would like to be in place to ensure progress of the team occurs at their already stated rapid pace.

    Next: David Blatt