L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer disparaged the Philadelphia 76ers’ rebuild in a recent meeting.
The Philadelphia 76ers exceeded all expectations last season, winning 52 games and securing the No. 3 seed. That left those who criticized their rebuild in a difficult spot — not every owner wants to lose, but the Sixers’ process clearly worked.
Evidentially, that didn’t change Steve Ballmer’s team-building philosophy. The L.A. Clippers owner had this to say in a recent meeting with fans and season-ticket holders.
"“That ain’t us. Nuh-uh, no way. People can do it their way. We’re going to be good our way. We’re not going to show up and suck for a year, two years. I think we got higher expectations on us than the long, hard five, six years of absolute crap like the 76ers put in. How could we look you guys in the eye if we did that to you?” — Steve Ballmer, via the L.A. Times"
This is a common sentiment, with several notable figures bashing the Sixers’ longest-view-in-the-room approach over the years. Stan Van Gundy, countless media talking heads, and now Ballmer. People who lack Sam Hinkie’s vision tend to lack his patience as well.
And thus, we got several TSS writers together to offer their thoughts on the subject. Does Ballmer have a point, or are is his logic flawed? Here are our answers: