August 19, 2013
By Mike Patterson
The Sixers have officially named Brett Brown, the former Spurs assistant, as the new head coach.
Soon after being hired, Brown decided to release the Sixers’ current assistant coaching staff that was built under the last coach, Doug Collins, and consisted of Michael Curry, Aaron McKie, and Jeff Capel.
“This decision takes nothing away from the talent and loyalty of Michael Curry, Aaron McKie and Jeff Capel, but is more about making a fresh start here in Philadelphia," Brown said in a press release. "I respect the way this staff did their job and how they handled themselves with tremendous class and professionalism, which needs to be acknowledged. I am grateful for all the work they've done this off-season leading up to this decision.”
The Sixers' roster has been given a complete overhaul and is looking dismal for the upcoming season. ESPN.com predicted that Philadelphia would finish last in the Eastern Conference.
Evan Turner recently expressed his opinion on the upcoming season. He made it clear that he intends on winning as many games as possible and does not plan on losing to gain a high draft selection.
It seems that the front office is hoping that the team will tank in order to possibly make a run at projected top draft picks in Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins.
However, Brown made it clear that if that is the case, they picked the wrong man for the job.
The most important task for Brown in the upcoming season will be player development, because the Sixers will be one of the youngest teams in the league.
The returning veteran core consists of Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young and Spencer Hawes, who combine for only 15 years of NBA experience.
The roster also consists of Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel, Lavoy Allen, Arselan Kazemi, Royce White and Arnett Moultrie, all of whom are under the age of 25.
Shaping these young players into a contending team is sure to be a daunting task.
However, Brown played a large part in making the Spurs the NBA powerhouse that they are today, and he was crucial in the development of potential Hall-of-Famers Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan.
Plus, Brown knows exactly what he is in for after making the decision to leave San Antonio for Philly.
“If I was going to leave the situation I had in San Antonio, it had better be for the right one,” Brown said at his introductory press conference. “I think this is a high-calculated chance. It's dangerous. [Rebuilding] is always a very hard thing, but I feel just thrilled to be here.”
(Brown quotes from Sixers press release and story by CSNPhilly.com's John Finger)
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