The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers need succession plan

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA,PA - JANUARY 4: Coach Mike D'antoni of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on along with Brett Brown against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on January 4, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - JANUARY 4: Coach Mike D'antoni of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on along with Brett Brown against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on January 4, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 7: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks to head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers prior to the game on December 7, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 119-68. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 7: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks to head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers prior to the game on December 7, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 119-68. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Spur development along its natural course

The San Antonio Spurs have remained relevant in the NBA for years, despite being a small market franchise, and despite the erosion of time over their established stats. This is the team which once boasted both Tim Duncan and David Robinson. In their time, their were one of the most dominating pair around the basket

The Spurs of today are completely different.  And that is possible because they have placed their trust in their head coach, Gregg Popovich.  And Coach Popovich mentored Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown

Philadelphia 76ers succession plan starts today

The Philadelphia 76ers are about to begin a journey. How far will it take them towards an NBA championship? It’s hard to say standing here today. On one hand, perhaps to the playoffs and no further. On the other hand, perhaps the journey will carry them to the semi-finals or finals. And even moreso, perhaps the journey will result in the NBA championship the city deserves and desires so desperately.

But before the expiration of player contracts, before the NBA begins poaching the coaching staff, the Philadelphia 76ers must set their succession plan.  The team must do so not hoping to succeed, but in the expectation that they will succeed.

Today’s youthful potential is tomorrow max contract

With a roster of Simmons, Saric, Embiid, Fultz all garnering significant playing minutes and with just two years NBA playing experience among them, the Sixers will face the challenge of the Spurs and Thunder someday.  Will they embrace and adapt the Spurs route, or hold on and try to retain Thunder way.  However the team chooses, they had best decide now.

Next: An update about our EuroBasket players

Success not only is incredibly fun, but it happens lightning-fast. That is why the team’s versatility is significant. That is why the team’s ability to flip from tall ball to small ball is so important.  And once this team makes the playoffs, it’s already too late.