The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Coach Brett Browns p(r)ep talk shows new side to Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

T.J. McConnell and Dario Saric (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
T.J. McConnell and Dario Saric (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 25, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 25, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

76ers, on my command

The passion of Coach Brett Brown is not always as obvious as that of other head coaches. He does not shout or scream. He does not belittle a player in social media. In fact, he goes to great lengths to ensure that he does not throw any player under the bus. But the recent lackluster efforts by the team, particularly on defense surrendering 110 points to the New York Knicks and 116 points to the Brooklyn Nets alarmed Brown.

He knew he had to intervene.

And like any parent of teenage children, the only avenue to doing so effectively is to get their attention. That usually means emphasizing the importance of the situation with clear aggrevation. Like a military drill instructor, the most certain way to achieve optimal focus and training effecitiveness is to instill an almost fear-induced culture.

Short term results

While that is counter-productive over the long haul, it’s surprisingly effective in a short-term situation. And for these Philadelphia 76ers, the time is now. No tomorrows. The fact is that Coach Brown issued the team a wake-up call. The team has all the feel of “going through the motions” in recent games. Whether the team felt overconfident or lethargic mattered little. The outcome of either resulted in uninspired play on the court and risking a devastating loss.

Brown had seen enough.

Even as recent comments suggested that point guard Ben Simmons future lie as a power forward, Brown has laid down the gauntlet upon his team.