The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Can O’Brien and Brown Coach These Philadelphia 76ers?

By Bret Stuter

Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown goes over a play with his team during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 109-108 in OT. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown goes over a play with his team during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 109-108 in OT. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Spurs 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Spurs 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Pop’s Magic

San Antonion head coach Gregg Popovich does four things extremely well.

Develop his players.
Choose the best strategies for his players.
Choose the best tactics for the situation.
Get his players to execute his strategy and tactics.

And so, the Philadelphia 76ers have been coached with the same basic principals in mind. Build from within. Develop his players- the success of undrafted T.J. McConnell, of both Jerami Grant and Jahlil Okafor, and of Nerlens Noel indicates that the team is on track there.

For all of the strategic and tactical decisions that go into basketball, the most important skill for a coach is the ability to motivate, direct, and communicate with his players. Even in a league filled with some of the best in the world at this, Popovich stands out. Brown is a close second.

But its not just doing things the right way, but the durability of Popovich’s methods.  The key to that is his lack of rigidity.  He designs a scheme to fit his players, but he can draw up a play on a time out to equal effectiveness.

He understands his limits, and that of his players.  It’s that understanding which gives his legacy so many accolades.

Next: Oh Brien