The Philadelphia 76ers had themselves a tough 2019-20 season. They did not come anywhere close to the expectations the team laid out for themselves and they were swept in Round 1 by the Boston Celtics.
Accountability has been a word thrown around with this team over the past few weeks and it is time for them to move forward by accepting more accountability. At least in the words of Josh Richardson who believed they did not have enough from former coach Brett Brown.
“I think we had good communication,” Richardson explained. “I think we had good intentions. I think that on the court we did a better job of listening, but there’s got to be some conflict. I think that’s our next step is being able to have some conflict on the bench like you saw in one of our first games. I think that was good for us.”
What Richardson is referring to is the heated exchange between Joel Embiid and Shake Milton in their restart opener against the Indiana Pacers. The team was then able to respond with a winning streak after that loss and Milton had himself a solid seeding game performance that then led into some good playoff performances in response to the conflict.
“I think we got to be comfortable in uncomfortable times and times of conflict and times where, if I’m not doing my job, I want somebody to cuss me out,” Richardson added. “That’s just what I grew up in. That’s what I came from. I’ve seen good teams and I know that conflict and accountability is a big part of that.”
When it comes to accountability, a lot of comes from the coach, sure, but a player does also have to look inward. Richardson does come from the Miami Heat where they are all about culture and the identity of hard work and holding themselves accountable when things go sideways. Some of that has to come from the players as well.
“You have a great mix of veteran players, young players learning how to win in this game and it’s not easy, especially when you have a way to go in that department,” said general manager Elton Brand. “It’s not going to be an easy task, but it’s all of our jobs. We all have to look ourselves in the mirror and hold ourselves accountable.”
This will be a topic all offseason as the Sixers look for the right coach to lead the way and bounce back from a tough season, but it is clear that the players have to do more as well. A new coach will only do so much. [lawrence-related id=37238,37234,37231]