Bryan Colangelo, Honeymoon Is Over

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Bryan Colangelo, The Honeymoon Is Over

On one hand, the fans of the Philadelphia 76ers are some of the brightest fans in the NBA. In fact, they are smart enough to anticipate the moves of the front office.

On the other hand, they were familiar with former president Sam Hinkie’s mad-cap zaniness on draft night or at the trade deadline.  For all the vitriol hurled over Hinkie’s inability to sign free agents, he never seemed to run in short supply over NBA in trade negotiations.

As a matter of fact, it’s unfair to hold Bryan Colangelo to that standard. He cannot replicate the surprisingly adept maneuvers of the last guy to sit in his chair.

Accountability, Transparency, Fiduciary Responsibility

But the team can and must hold Bryan Colangelo accountable for delivering upon HIS promises. Transparency. Converting the highest possible value of the assets entrusted to his watch.  In the end, the team finally began delivering on transparency.

I do not believe I speak for everyone, nor do I believe I am alone now. And as we turn our attention to the future, no more passing blame to the guy now replaced. No more taking initial press statements at face value.   No more believing the guy who pulls players in and out of starting lineups is acting in the player’s nor team’s best interests.

NEXT: Ben Simmons and Sixers May Have Done Bone Marrow Injection to Avoid Surgery

In short, Mr Colangelo, the honeymoon is over.  You have the authority to run the team however you see fit. But the eyes and ears are no longer trained elsewhere. In fact, the Philadelphia 76ers may be one of three executives positions you have held in the NBA.  But it’s the only NBA team of this proud city.

Do better sir.  As a matter of fact, do it quickly.