The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Monty Williams strengthens the Philadelphia 76ers coaching staff

By Lucas Johnson

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 16: Assistant coach Monty Williams of the USA Basketball Men's National Team talks to his team at a practice during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 16, 2016 at the Flamengo Club in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 16: Assistant coach Monty Williams of the USA Basketball Men's National Team talks to his team at a practice during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 16, 2016 at the Flamengo Club in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Any questions surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers coaching staff shouldn’t exist after the franchise added veteran coach Monty Williams.

While fans should have been happy for former assistant coach Lloyd Pierce to get an opportunity to be the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, the void Pierce left on the bench was noticeable. The Philadelphia 76ers had plenty of options to choose from in finding a someone to fill that void and the club couldn’t have hired a better coach than Monty Williams. He not only solidifies the Sixers coaching staff moving forward, but he should greatly improve the organization as a whole.

It should be noted that becoming the lead assistant of the Sixers coaching staff will be the first time Williams has coached since the tragic passing of his wife, Ingrid Williams in 2016. The past two years Williams has not coached since before the accident when he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an assistant.

More from Sixers News

Instead, Williams had been in the San Antonio Spurs front office since 2016. While not coaching for two years may hurt some, his time in the Spurs front office may actually have helped him improve as a coach. He had two years of Gregg Popovich in his life, that would improve almost any coach in the world.

William’s experience both as an assistant and head coach should instill confidence in the Sixers front office and fan base. He had worked as an assistant for the Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers.

When he was a head coach of the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, Williams had a win percentage of 43.9 percent and had above .500 records in two out of the five seasons he coached. He also won Western Conference coach of the month back in the 2010-11 season. His playoff record stands at 2-8. Williams also has an Olympic gold medal as a coach on his resume.

Before Williams started coaching, he had a average playing career. His last season as a pro was in Philadelphia where he averaged 4.4 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Next: 2019 fantasy Finals matchup: Sixers vs. Warriors

Williams is a quality hire for the Philadelphia 76ers that can’t be underestimated. He has experience as a NBA player, assistant, head and front office executive. Most NBA personnel don’t have that type of resume. Williams’ experience and skill will only help head coach Brett Brown and the rest of the Sixers organization improve.