The Philadelphia 76ers are embarking on an important coaching search as they get set to hire a new coach for the first time in seven years. After finishing off a tough season by being swept in Round 1, the franchise needs to make the right hire in order to right the wrongs of this season.
General manager Elton Brand will ultimately lead the coahcing search as part of a new front office revamping that has him calling the shots going forward, but he will trust in the help of their star duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
“I’m going to talk to Jo and Ben about the game and how they see it and what’s going to help them and how to complement each other and what will complement them,” Brand explained. “I’m not going to put the pressure of ‘You wanted this new coach or you wanted that new player’ on them, but just the overall philosophy of basketball. Where they feel we were strong and ways to get better. Just have some clear, candid conversation with them, absolutely. As I feel I should.”
Considering the importance of Simmons and Embiid to this franchise, it is smart of Brand to turn to these two and consider what they think in order to move forward as an organization. Ultimately, the final decision will be made by Brand and it will be up to him to make the right move. The 2019-20 season will be looked back on as a failure for the Sixers and it’s a season that can trigger a lot of changes.
“My goal is making sure we’re in a position to truly contend,” Brand added. “Not just lip service, but truly contend so whatever role I have to take is going to be the focus on getting this team over the hump. I’m not sure exactly what changes are going to be made, but I’m assessing it and I’ll make the right recommendations to truly have this team in a position to win.”
This is a job that will bring in a lot of candidates as Philadelphia offers not only Simmons and Embiid, but other talented young players such as Matisse Thybulle and Shake Milton. The Sixers have an idea of what they’re looking for in a new coach, but making the right choice will be crucial for the success of the franchise going forward. [lawrence-related id=37214,37217,37209]