There are many head coaching vacancies in the NBA this offseason. One of those is in the city of Philadelphia at one of the most storied franchises in the league. With Doug Collins gone, the media have thrown names like Brian Shaw, Mike Malone and Jeff Hornacek into the proverbial sweepstakes to become the new Philadelphia 76ers head coach. However, Jrue Holiday has made it clear who he wants to take over: assistant coach Michael Curry.
Jrue Holiday was the only shining light for the 76ers this year. (Photo via Keith Allison/Wikipedia)
Holiday is not alone. Evan Turner also supported a Michael Curry promotion, saying: “We really don’t have a lot of room to start all over again when you look at us — I think it [hiring Curry] would be great for the organization. We respect Mike.”
Wait a minute. The Sixers went 34-48, they are in complete disarray. In what was one of the worst seasons in franchise history, Evan Turner thinks that there isn’t room to start again? If anything, it is the time to start again. With no post presence, no experienced player worth keeping around and a few tradable pieces like Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young — it is time for the Sixers to go into full rebuild mode.
For people suggesting the front office should want to keep the players happy: Hiring a coach they are ”friendly” with shouldn’t be the way to go. Sure, the players like him now, but it is very easy to play ”good cop” as an assistant coach. Would he be the same friend to the players if he was the head coach? I doubt it.
Moving forward, this team needs to separate itself completely from the monstrosity that was the 2012-13 NBA season. If I had my way, the only person safe of his place on the roster would be Jrue Holiday. Sam Hinkie should be taking calls on everyone else.
To conclude, Michael Curry isn’t the way to go. He is a good defensive coach; with Curry at the helm the Sixers have allowed 96.5 points per game (ninth in the NBA), 89.4 (second), and 97.5 (12th) in the last three seasons respectively. However, there are many coaches that should be looked at first — like Brian Shaw. Hiring Curry would just remind fans and players of the dreadful 2012-13 season. It is time to start again and hire someone external; someone bright and young.