Who Should Be the Sixers Next Head Coach? (Updates)

Dannie, I have been touting Thebodeax but I would like to change my #1 choice to H.Brown, with E.Snow as his successor. Give Hubie 2 years with the idea of him showing E.Snow the ropes. I think it is E.Jordan!s job to lose, that is why I hope he signs with Sacramento. When E.S. says he isn!t concerned with having the coach by the time of the draft it tells me he doesn!t want a coach with a strong attitude who would put HIS imprint on this team. He wants a coach with experience but one he can dictate to, and Jordan fits that bill, just my opinion. Hubie got that Memphis team to defend and improve before he left.With he and E.Snow on the bench I believe players would be sat [L.Will.?] if they didn!t play both ends.

NO to Jay Wright. that would hurt 2 philly teams. don’t think he’s ready for the Pros at all. 

Gotta say I was surprised to see as many people vote for Tom Thibodeau, especially considering he is a defensive guy and this team seemed to thrive on their up tempo pace…that being said, i voted for Thibodeau because I really didn’t like anyone else. I work for a company based out of Detroit and no one from our corporate office really had a whole lot of positive things to say about Doug Collins other than that he can make a good team a 50 win team but that’s as far as it can go. He has a rep for becoming a control freak and sometimes dividing teams.

Suede:  You mentioned Hubie Brown…he personally would be my #1 choice by a landslide.  I freaking love that guy…knows the history of the game better than anyone on the planet, a master of X & O’s, defensive strategy and intensity, wonderful communicator with players, is demanding while retaining a sense of humor and being down to earth.  Has had success with numerous teams.  

It is no small feat…quite possibly the most underrated coaching job in the past decade…to get a mediocre Grizzlies team to the playoffs THREE times in a brutal western conference…and have 50 game seasons…AND to get Jason White Chocolate Williams to actually mature and start balling like he had the potential to.   Unfortunately, he’s made it pretty clear that he is done with coaching.  Otherwise, he’d be my automatic hire.

Jay Wright – IMO would make a poor NBA coach, and would be the single most horrendous choice on the entire list to coach our Sixers team.  College coach = not a good hire 99% of the time…this has been proven repeatedly.

Greek:  Jeff Van Gundy is a TWO time quitter?  What’s the second time?  Houston was the one that opted to make a coaching change and hire Adelman, Van Gundy didn’t resign.  

Ed:  I agree with your view on D Collins.  I would be ok with the hire and probably like it…I’d rather err on the side of overdemanding anger-issues than soft spoken puss (aka: Cheeks, DiLeo)…but if I’m choosing between Collins, Avery, Van Gundy and Czar for demanding coaches with high expectations, I’m going with Avery.  I think Avery with time off as a broadcaster will realize he needs to overcoach less, and compared to old fossils that tend to be stuck in their ways, I have a feeling Avery can modify and adapt his system nicely because of his youth for the second time around.

Del Harris is the one name on the list I haven’t thought of, that like Hubie, would make an excellent choice.  However, also like Hubie, he has stated numerous times he’s not interested in head coaching.  While usually soundbites are smokescreens, I have a feeling given Hubie/Del’s age, it is more the truth.  

Dannie: The one “retread” I actually kind of like is Bob Hill.  I always thought he was unfairly given the axe too soon the year David Robinson was injured.  When given his second major opportunity in Seattle, unfortunately he was able to coach their best two players (Ray and Rashard) together a total of about 5 games, as one of the two was perennially injured, killing their chances.  Bob Hill is a likable guy, not in the “player’s coach goes easy on them” John Lucas kinda way, but in that he’s a good listener to his players and communicator.  By all accounts, player’s enjoyed playing for him, and respected his ability especially on the offensive end with halfcourt sets and play-calling.

Not saying he’s the hire, but I do think he’s an underrated name for a retread.  Dwyane Casey is the other name I think was unfairly axed by Minnesota WAY too quickly (went .500 in year and a quarter with the last KG incarnation with barely any semblence of talent around him).  He’ll eventually resurface, as he put his due in with being an assistant coach for years under good tutilidge.  

Eddie Jordan:  I’ve been forced to swallow a lot of Wizards bball given that I’ve lived in DC for 8 years now.  EJ is a wonderful offensive coach and good communicator…but he talks the talk more than walks the walk, especially with defense…couldn’t agree with you more Dannie.  He constantly makes promises…and doesn’t follow through.  That said, I love his demeanor and his ability to run princeton/motion sets in the halfcourt…he REALLY helped Caron Butler become the player he is today.  Very good coach…not right for our team.   

Recent Sixers announcement: Stefanski says Sixers will not be bringing back Theo Ratliff (RealGM). 

IMO…stupid, stupid, stupid.  Was it professional for Theo not to attend the ending team meetin of the team?  No, that was rude and boneheaded.  Should Theo have gone out of his way to critisize DiLeo to the extent he did, right in the thicket of playoff losses?  No.

Was Ratliff’s criticism RIGHT ON THE MONEY?  Yes it was.  Did Ratliff provide an effective veteran backup center, good for rebounds, weakside shot blocking, hitting an open jumpshot and getting garbage buckets for occassional 10-15 minutes stints a game?  Yes he did.  Is he inexpensive?  At 1 million a year, I’d say so.  Why on earth would we let him go?  DiLeo, back in his administrative position, taking petty vengeance.  

This is not helping our team…Ratliff was a good presence to have.  I do not trust Jason Smith…we had better offer that 1 million vet money to someone like Jamal Magloire, Nazr Mohammad or some other type of veteran big to fill in the hole that will be left with Ratliff’s abcense.   Or a younger 3rd stringer like a Josh Powell, from the Lakers.  

Dannie all I’m saying is that the new coach better have the guts to crack the whip in these guys unlike Dileo who came off like a nice man’s Mr. Rodgers.

Pete good tidbit on Thibidou, also I have started watching  The Wire and I’m midway through season 2.  Pretty cool that the bad guy is called the Greek.  I remember you once asked me if that is where I got my name from.  Go Werth,  he netted my fantasy team 4 steals tonight.

Dannie:  Good call with mentioning Ewing.  I think Patrick Ewing should absolutely be given a shot at head coaching…on a team not named the 76ers.  He’s claimed for years, and IMO rightly so, that he’s not been hired or looked at because of the bias against big men head coaches.  I really do think, no matter what people say, he’s being judged because he’s a center, and todays p*ssy ticky tac foul rules make this a pansy guard oriented league (can you guys tell I’m not a fan of how games are called since ‘03?).  

Which is ridiculous, given the fact that:

a.  He’s one of the top 10 centers of all time
b. Was an extremely savvy and cerebral player, not some brutish athlete.  He had a real high bball IQ, knew floor spacing, moving without the ball, pick setting, shooting mechanics, back to the basket and face up game…the works.  
c.  Was a franchise player that has been deep in the playoff trenches with good success for most of his career, and has battled against some of the all time greats.  
d.  Any team that hires him would get huge media attention because of the curiosity of how he’d do.  
e.  Has proven he can take an individual player and improve their game.
e.  He’s put in his dues as an assistant coach for over half a decade, all on good teams.
f.  Flat out knows the game, is a good guy, and I’d see him being a great, tough, demanding coach that is an excellent teacher as well.  

The only reason I don’t like him for us is because we don’t have a legit big man.  Not that he couldn’t run our team…but damn, if you are going to hire Patrick as your rookie head coach, I’d want a guy like Duncan, KG, Dwight or Yao already established in the post…or young up and comers that are 6′10 and above like Al Jefferson, Biedrins, Blake Griffin, David Lee, Spencer Hawes, etc.  Although come to think of it…I certainly wouldn’t mind having Patrick around to influence Elton Brand to stop freaking out every time he’s doubled teamed in the post.  

Same thing with Mark Jackson…if I’m a team hiring him, I’d want to have a young PG on board because he’s be brilliant in working with them…a guy like CP3, Deron, T Parker, Rando, Derrick Rose, Mike Conley, soon to be Ty Lawson, Flynn, etc.  

Brian Shaw is another young assistant coach being talked about as a “future coaching star”…been with Phil Jackson now for a number of years.  And, of course, he is part of the exclusive Sixers farming system club for “wing players that play tough nosed defense and can hit three pointers that we mistakenly let go, when that was exactly the type of role player we needed for half a decade when AI was here”:

-Brian Shaw
-Bruce Bowen
-Matt Harpring
-Matt Barnes

Dave T-

Don’t forget Raja Bell on that list!

The Greek -

Great show, I’m just starting season 4 now.

One thing ES did mention that struck me was he never mentioned Sammy in his core or nucleus of players to build around.  He referenced Lou, Iggy, Smith, Thad, (the rookie I assume Speights) even though he didn’t actually say his name.  He also said you have to include Brand in that mix too.  No Green or Sam in that statement.  He also said everyone is tradeable.  Eskin, who I hate well don’t like.  Hate is a strong word.  Asked if a sign and trade was available for Ben Gordon and ES reminded him that its almost impossible because Gordon is a base year player.  In this scenario he wanted to trade Iggy thinking Thad is going to be more of a star later in his career.  Of all people Eskin is on the same page with I think a lot of people here.  I would rather see Iggy stay, just my opinion.

DaveT., I suggested A.Miller for Davis and nobody thought it could work, but I would do it, for all the reasons you mentioned, the key being ,is he healthy?

A team counting on BD and Brand reminds me of what has gone on in Washington.  Sure, maybe they could be good if everyone stayed healthy and meshed- but when exactly will that happen?

If you are going to try and make a run around older vets they better be good enough to make you a contender.  I could see Bramd/Iguodala and a superstar (Young and Speights traded to get one), but again, it would have to be a Kobe level player to make the team a contender if Brand/Iguodala are your 2nd and 3rd star.

Something like Speights/Thad for Duncan, and then sign Korver.
Miller/Iguodala/Korver/Brand/Duncan might be enough to contend…

Then again, Duncan is old and not going anywhere- just wanted to pick a superstar level vet that maybe could get you to that elite level for a short run.

Ryan F: Just wanted to note that I’ve always been a staunch defender of Iguodala, and have always respected his game…even though his defense has slipped, and many of his “clutch 4th quarter shots” are actually horrendous, off balanace, contested jumpers that he should not be shooting in the first place.  He’s a great young player, and we all know why on this forum.  But if you’re team’s best three players are Iguodala, Thad Young and Brand…this is not a team in contention, and the goal of the NBA is to win an NBA championship.  

I think you’re underselling Baron Davis a bit?  Last year he sucked for the Clippers because he was being forced to play a style where the coach was literally calling almost every single play.  Dunleavy is a very halfcourt oriented, offensively controlling coach.  When Baron is allowed to have some freedom in the reigns and ball, he’s a top 10 NBA player (we always have to add “when healthy”, of course).  Having Elton Brand ditch you after you left a perfect situation to play with him, and then come back after injury to a .300% Clippers team that had traded for Zack Randolph won’t do much to inspire your psyche.  

I actually think at $13 million a year Baron Davis has one of the best contracts in the NBA for a player of his caliber.  Remember, this is not a 2nd banana, we are talking a legit superstar that can actually hoist a team on his back, genuinely take over a game, and knows how to get others involved as well.  You cannot say that about other players roughly his age that make a little to a lot more money, such as:  Shawn Marion, Pau Gasol, Elton Brand, Jermaine O’Neal, Vince Carter, Lamar Odom, Jason Richardson.  

Iguodala, as good as he is, is a versatile 2nd banana player.  Elton Brand, is an excellent 2nd banana player.  We have no go to guy.  Baron Davis is a go to guy, and has the swagger in a player we are lacking.  He can get anywhere on the court, anytime he wants, much like Allen Iverson could.  IMO, when you have a player that talented, especially on a team full of tentative, whiney pusseycats like we have, a dominant player like Baron’s strengths will outweigh his weaknesses.  

Now, the ideal scenario would be to somehow have a Baron Davis type without giving up Iguodala.  Having a 1-4 of Baron Davis, Iguodala, Thad, Brand would, on paper, bump us up a level we currently are not.  

Suede:  The A-Miller idea couldn’t work because their salaries don’t match; Baron makes roughly $13 million a year…and Andre isn’t even resigned yet, and probably will make in the $7-9 range.  Also, the Clippers, much like us, wouldn’t want to take on an aging, 33 year old PG that doesn’t have much left in the tank, and isn’t an all star player.  

Draft watch:  I am getting very worried that Flynn and Lawson have improved their draft stock to be taken in the top 14.  Meaning…two EXCELLENT PG’s that could really help us out in the long term will not be there.  I think Mayner’s game is overrated…this would leave us with Chase Budinger / Wayne Ellington / Jeff Teague to select from as SG or SF swingmen that can hit a 3.  I’d love one of the first 2…not so much Teague.  

DaveT., a sign-trade would allow the Clips to save 2 years and if we sign A.Miller to 11+ the first year it would work and save the Clips salary also. [3 years- 30 mill.] Getting Griffin allows the Clips to be a playoff team this year if they have a veteren p.g. that could play under Dunleavy. If they are talking Davis for Maggette,[rumors] than Miller may interest them.

Just thought I’d say that I wouldn’t actually make the Baron deal myself, was just tossing it out there since I keep reading reports the Clippers are trying to move the guy, was curious what people think of Baron’s game.  Although Dannie, I WOULD argue that Baron Davis, when healthy, is a dominant player in this league talent wise, more than just the attitude. 

Real Rob:  You said it best and nice and simply right here …”If Miller stays, we clearly need a SG or a great backup PG.  If Miller leaves, we need an NBA ready type of PG.”

Although I’d change it to:  ”If Miller stays, we need a “backup” SG.  People seem to have a misconception that the Thad/Iguodala SG/SF won’t work, or won’t happen.  They proved they can play together.  Iguodala raised his game to a new level in the playoffs, this will carry into next year.  Thad Young will continue to improve his shooting, and other aspects of the game.  Our SG/SF combo for the foreseeable future is Iggy and Thad.  We need to get used to it.

Since that’s the case…A-Miller as our PG will never, ever EVER work because he cannot shoot.  As Greek has said, if we ARE going to go with an Iggy/Thad combo at the wing spots, and our PF Brand cannot hit threes, we better make damn sure RIGHT NOW to get a PG AND backup SG/SF that CAN hit threes, and run a future offense.

This means for the backup SG/SF (note that I do not count Lou as part of this team anymore): 

-Draft a guy like Budinger or Ellington that can do OTHER things than just shoot.  (a straight shooter like Kyle Korver WILL NOT HELP US, we need a guy that can play defense as well, or has a versatile offensive game that can also hit from behind hte arc).  
-Sign a guy like Anthony Parker, or another similar free agent.

For the backup/future PG:
-Move up in the lottery to nab Flynn or Lawson
-Come up with some crazy package for a young and upcoming PG in the league that can shoot 3’s.  We tried to get Bayless once, we can try again.  

I honestly think we are pretty screwed without an A-Miller replacement.  Love the guy’s personality … has a solid game and has been a key cog keeping this team affloat.  But he cannot shoot, and is not going to be the PG to get this team up a level.  We need to start thinking real hard about this team’s ceiling right now…and if we don’t get our asses a legit future PG, we have zilch shot of moving into the top spots of the East when Boston starts fading with age.

I don’t think I underestimate BD, I think he is given too much credit for being Baron Davis and people tend to over look his flaws.  In his prime he was a very dynamic player, but was always VERY inconsistent at his best.  One night he would drop 30/20/20, the next he’d be asleep.  Not the type of player or “model” I’d like to see influence this team that looks as if it already has no direction. 

I would really like to see them make a push for Hinrich if they are going to go after and NBA pg.  He can shoot the 3 well, not just streaky.  He is good size and manages to stay in front of the ball for not having much lateral quickness, makes sound decisions and is fundamental.  He has the ability to drop 30, he can rebound, defend, makes FT’s and is a good teammate. Not so sure if I’d be to comfy with them sending them Brand for him and TT, but it would be interesting to see how it worked out.

I don’t know too much about college players but from what I did see last year and from what I’ve read, I’d take Lawson.  A little undersized, but he is quick enough to stay in front of any PG in the league and get into passing lanes, and the guy is a winner. 

I really hope, as much as I don’t want to say this, that Miller takes a walk or gets traded(could bite me in the ass).  His inability to stay in front of people takes more toll on our D than he is worth offensively.  Too many help rotations to cover his ass leaving the team vulnerable too often.  He’s getting old and for the money he’ll most likely want, even if he has any interest in coming back, would be too much. 

I would hate to see him walk for nothing as well, but I would hate it more if ES were to take on another backside of 30 player with a big contract just for the sake of getting something in return.

I don’t really see the Clips wanting to make a good deal for us after we just lured their franchise player from them last offseason, so if they were to give up BD to us it would be because he is absolutely not wanted, and I don’t want any “superstar” that their current team would move so easily.

If BD were still that good and his contract so reasonable, why would the clips have any interest in moving him.  It’s not like they have a log jam in the back like they do in the front court.

Hinrich is attainable, Chi needs some wiggle room to lock up Gordon for a while and they have Rose and Salmons.  I am not really in love with Hinrich’s contract either, but he is still in his prime, and most likely be able to perfrom for its duration.

Rambis, out of the running.  Darn.

Jasner reported yesterday that, contrary to widely-held belief, Sixers have reached out towards Avery Johnson, but Johnson is not interested in submitting himself to Stefanski’s expansive interview carousel.  It’s my opinion that Sixers need a Croce-like sea change in their culture.  I think that Avery Johnson would provide to an extent, but that ES’s ‘big cheese’ ego and sense of organization drivership will obviate that potential scenario.  Stefanski will probably turn to a more pliant, collegial and accomodating x & o-er, my guess.

Dannie, Good list.  Interesting names.  None jump out as “the one” to me but perhaps 1 of them has the secret formula, the touch required to build & lead.  Stefanski may be wringing his hands over whether or not to give Johnson the keys to the car – - just a surmise.  It is curious that 2 organizations in need of forward movement are interviewing common candidates and dragging their respective feet.  A game of chicken?  “You pick the first loser, we’ll take the ‘better’ one.”

Could be.  But an organization that knows what it wants, goes and gets it (if available), irrespective of outside influence.  This interim time of pause and waffling over an array of  ‘the unaccomplished’ or ‘yesterday’s news’ does nothing to inspire confidence.  Stefanski needs to pull a rabbit from his hat – soon.