Philadelphia 76ers announce hiring Jim OBrien As Assistant Head Coach. But, does he fit?
The Philadelphia 76ers have finally filled the void left behind by Mike D’Antoni by tapping former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Jim O’Brien. President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo has not wasted much time in finding an assistant for this head coach, Brett Brown.
#Sixers to hire Jim O'Brien as assistant coach https://t.co/A7KZxKWOhJ via @phillysport pic.twitter.com/pd8ShTSaeu
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 1, 2016
O’Brien coached for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2004-2005 season and led the team to the playoffs in his only season. Despite a multi-year contract, and a playoff appearance, he was fired by then general manager Billy King.
"“In the interview process with Jim, there were a lot of things that we talked about,” King said. “But in watching the season, evaluating our young players’ development and evaluating our style of play, it wasn’t something I was comfortable with.”"
The firing also coincided with the availability of Maurice Cheeks, just fired by the Portland Trailblazers. Immediately after firing O’Brien, the team hired Cheeks to replace him.
"“I look at Mo Cheeks and I know Mo Cheeks. If players have problems with Mo Cheeks, then there’s got to be something wrong with those players.I look in the mirror every day,” King said. “I’m not somebody that’s above scrutiny, but I think I try to do the best I can and make the best decisions.”"
If this were the end of it, there would be less concerns about the hiring. But there’s more. Prior to the 76ers season, he was the head coach of the Boston Celtics from 2001-2004. As the Celtics head coach, he had good success – getting to the conference finals in 2002 and to the conference semi-finals in 2003. But the 2003-2004 team struggled, and by the time the team stood at a 22-24 record, he resigned.
Next: Trail of Conflict