Two well-known assistant coaches interested in Philadelphia 76ers vacancy.
After the Philadelphia 76ers fired head coach Brett Brown, it didn’t take long for big names like Tyronn Lue and Jay Wright to get connected to the job opening. However, they aren’t the only names that have been connected to the job.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, both Jason Kidd and John Lucas are interested in the Sixers’ head coaching job. Both men have impressive resumes and do have ample experience for the opening.
Kidd’s Pro’s and Con’s
Kidd was on my list of six potential head coaching candidates that I wrote during the NBA hiatus. The pros to Kidd are plain to see, he was one of the best point guards in NBA history, developed superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he’s currently an assistant for an impressive Los Angeles Lakers club.
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However, Kidd hasn’t been a successful head coach with the Brooklyn Nets or Milwaukee Bucks. Kidd being attracted to the Sixers job makes sense. Antetokounmpo and Ben Simmons are similar players so there is potential for Kidd to grow Simmons’ game even more.
Lucas’ Pro’s and Con’s
Lucas currently works as the Houston Rockets’ player development coach and he’s also working with athletes with substance issues. The former player was also a head coach for three teams, the San Antonio Spurs, Sixers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He also served as the top executive for the Sixers during his coaching tenure.
Lucas’s track record as a coach wasn’t great. He only had a winning record in two out of six seasons. He only had a 42-122 record in Philly. There’s no doubt that Lucas could instill a new culture in Philly, but he doesn’t seem like the type of coach to lead a team trying to contend. It should be noted that Pompey noted that Lucas is interested in getting a second shot at the job.
Both men should be on Philadelphia 76ers’ general manager Elton Brand’s radar when considering a replacement for Brown.