COACHING CANDIDATES

Posted by: Michael Kaskey-Blomain
04/19/13 12:28 pm EST

Yesterday, Doug Collins officially notified the 76ers organization, the media and Philadunkia nation that he would not be returning to the sidelines next season – something he decided and informed Tony DiLeo of back in December.  So the Sixers are officially in the market for a new head coach.

No, the Sixers’ struggles this season don’t fall solely on the shoulders of Collins.  Not only did he have to deal with a serious string of injuries throughout the season, he never actually got to coach the team he envisioned, and built around, last off-season.  With Bynum sitting the entire season, Collins was often left to play catch up, plugging players in as he went along.

Nonetheless, after such a disappointing season it is no surprise to see fingers pointed at the head coach, especially considering the large hand Collins had in assembling this underachieving unit.

This pseudo-rebuilding stage the Sixers are in is more than Collins bargained for, so it’s no surprise to see him stepping away. 

Realistically, the best available coaches, the likes of hall-of-famers Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan are not going to come to Philly on a rebuilding mission.  Coach Cal isn’t going to leave the comfort of Kentucky to revive the 76ers, and Larry Brown isn’t going to walk through the door accompanied by a 27-year old Allen Iverson.  Let’s get those lofty options out of the way early.

However, even with all of those options eliminated, there are plenty coaching choices for the Sixers to pursue; coaches who will be eager to embrace the challenge of turning the team around.


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THE NIGHTMARE IS OVER

Posted by: Jake Fischer
04/18/13 2:09 pm EST

All good things must come to an end.

But, unfortunately for the 76ers organization and its fans, their immaculate 2012-2013 season came to an end before it ever began.

In August, the Sixers introduced their addition of Andrew Bynum — and, oh yeah, Jason Richardson — at the Constitution Center in front of a raucous crowd.  But, before Bynum could even get through hinting at signing a 5-year max extension, he stopped in his tracks.

Then, as all of Philadunkia was imagining Bynum backing down the likes of Roy Hibbert, Joakim Noah and Tyson Chandler before turning them into a poster, the team announced that Bynum would be undergoing surgery on his knees and going to Germany.

We all know he would go on to never suit up in a Sixers uniform outside of a photo shoot.  We all know he participated in less practices than his jersey number, 33.  We all remember his parade of ridiculous hairdos and his romantic long walks on a freakishly expensive anti-gravity treadmill.  His season, and maybe his career in Philly, was over before it even had a chance to commence.


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GM 82: (1 LAST FRICKIN’ W) RAPID REACTS

Posted by: C. Smith
04/18/13 10:47 am EST
Philadelphia 76ers 105 FinalRecap | Box Score 95 Indiana Pacers
Thaddeus Young, SF 21 MIN | 5-7 FG | 0-0 FT | 8 REB | 0 AST | 3 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 10 PTS | +14

For the most part it was an outstanding year for #21 and on the final game of the season he came up just 2 rebs short of a double-double on only 21 mins of run.  I would have loved if he connected on that left hand tomahawk dunk as the icing on his cake for this season.
Evan Turner, SF 40 MIN | 7-18 FG | 1-2 FT | 6 REB | 5 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 16 PTS | +11

In 40 minutes of burn against 2nd tier NBA players “The Enigma” scored 16 inefficient points 18 FGAs and 2 FTAs.  That about sums up Turner’s year. By my count Turner had 3 shots from inside 8 feet blocked last night.
Spencer Hawes, C 4 MIN | 1-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 3 PTS | +9

Spencer actually showed a hint of a nasty streak last night when he pushed Psycho-T to the floor.  His reward…DC benched him for the rest of the game
Jrue Holiday, PG 9 MIN | 2-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 5 PTS | +10

I was disappointed that DC chose to play Jrue so little, especially after he drained his first two shots. The turnover issues need to get fixed this off season, but kudos on a solid year overall.
Damien Wilkins, SG 36 MIN | 6-11 FG | 3-3 FT | 2 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 4 TO | 15 PTS | +3

A nice way to end the season for “Employee #8″ who got off to a fast start when he scored 6 in the 1st Q.  Do you realize that Wilkins started 21 straight games for the Sixers this season?  His solid play means he’ll likely be back next year in a reserve role.
Arnett Moultrie, PF 29 MIN | 7-11 FG | 0-0 FT | 12 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 14 PTS | -1

A great 1st half — 8 points and 4 rebs — led to Arnett’s 1st career double-double.  In the 2nd Q he had a great follow tip and then a nice spin move and finish.  He also displayed a nice jumper in the 4th Q.  If #5 can raise his energy level a notch or two, he could be a solid big for the Sixers next year.  Did you know that #5 shot 62% from the field since the All-Star break?
Dorell Wright, SF 36 MIN | 8-15 FG | 3-3 FT | 2 REB | 5 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 0 TO | 23 PTS | +7

I gave him the A, but it wasn’t easy for me.  Why??  Because he lit up a bunch of second tier NBA cats and got out scored by Gerald Green.  That sets off red flags for me.  Still, he showed enough flashes this season that I think I want him back next year.  Am I sick in the head?
Lavoy Allen, C 32 MIN | 4-9 FG | 3-4 FT | 11 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 3 TO | 11 PTS | +4

Of course Lavoy’s third double-double of the season comes when I am begging for the Sixers to lose a game.
Justin Holiday, SG 27 MIN | 3-8 FG | 1-2 FT | 0 REB | 3 AST | 2 STL | 2 BLK | 3 TO | 8 PTS | -1

It was nice knowing you.  Make sure that this summer Jrue works on his handles and decision making as we need to cut down on his turnovers.
Nick Young, SG 6 MIN | 0-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 0 PTS | -6

An O-for night.  That’s exactly how I want to remember the Swaggy P era in Philly.
Kwame Brown, C DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |

The Kwame-palooza Tour has finally come to an end.  Thank you Indianapolis and good night!!! (For the record Kwame racked up 60 DNPs this season.)
Doug Collins

I hope your “retirement” is a train wreck just like the condition you are leaving the Sixers in.

After the Jump, Six Things We Saw Last Night…


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TONIGHT IS THE END MY FRIEND

Posted by: C. Smith
04/17/13 10:27 am EST

On Monday night after the 76ers had lost their 48th game of the year, Spencer “Double-Double” Hawes was asked by the Sixers beat media about the final game of the season tonight in Indianapolis.

Hawes said, “It is just going to be good to get it over with.  With all the expectations we had coming in and then the way the season has gone it will be nice to take the positives going forward and flush the rest of it.  It was a tough year on everybody; us; the fans, anyone involved with the organization.”

Here at Philadunkia, we couldn’t agree more with Spence’s words and after the jump I compiled a list of items from the 2012-13 season that I am happy to see coming to an end.

 
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FORMER SIXERS UNITE

Posted by: Steve Toll
04/16/13 2:52 pm EST

How good would a team comprised of former 76ers players currently active in the NBA be? 

It’s an interesting question in what has been an interesting season to say the least.  So, let’s take a look at the possibilities.

We will use the current salaries of every player and keep under $60,000,000.  Elton Brand will not be included because he was amnestied and would prefer jail in Siberia to being on a hypothetical former 76ers roster.  Each player would essentially be a clone of himself and injuries are a part of things in this exercise.

Head Coach:  Aaron McKie

Asst Coach:  Eric Snow

PG:  Lou Williams, Andre Miller; $10,000,000

SG:  Thabo Sefolosha, Kyle Korver, Jodie Meeks; $10,100,000

SF:  Andre Iguodala, Matt Barnes, Mo Harkless; $17,900,000

PF:  Marreese  Speights, Reggie Evans; $5,800,000

C:  Nik Vucevic, Samuel Dalembert; $8,400,000

 
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GM 81: (L — YEAH) RAPID REACTS

Posted by: C. Smith
04/16/13 8:56 am EST
Philadelphia 76ers 101 FinalRecap | Box Score 109 Detroit Pistons
Thaddeus Young, SF 23 MIN | 5-8 FG | 1-2 FT | 3 REB | 1 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 11 PTS | +1

Only DC limiting his minutes can keep Thad down.
Evan Turner, SF 29 MIN | 5-13 FG | 2-2 FT | 3 REB | 5 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 13 PTS | -8

“The Enigma” received only 29 minutes last night, but he still managed to fire off 13 FGAs and hit only 5 of them.  He was 2-6 shooting across the 3rd & 4th Q’s.
Spencer Hawes, C 31 MIN | 6-13 FG | 1-1 FT | 9 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 3 TO | 13 PTS | -8

Thanks to a quick start — 9 points in the 1st Q — it looked like Spence was on his way to another double-double, but he came up 1 rebound short.
Jrue Holiday, PG 28 MIN | 7-15 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 5 TO | 14 PTS | -7

After he put up 4 points in the 1st Q and 8 in the 1st half overall, I thought Jrue was going to have a big night.  It didn’t happen.  Jrue was 0-fer from 3-point land and committed 5 turnovers.  Neither of those stats are ideal from your starting PG.
Damien Wilkins, SG 32 MIN | 2-6 FG | 0-2 FT | 3 REB | 5 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 4 PTS | +2

Wilkins surprising production has fallen off of late. But really, how long did you expect it to last?
Arnett Moultrie, PF 25 MIN | 4-5 FG | 1-1 FT | 5 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 9 PTS | -14

Well done kid…And just an FYI for DC, 25 minutes still isn’t enough.
Dorell Wright, SF 33 MIN | 5-12 FG | 8-9 FT | 8 REB | 6 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 2 TO | 22 PTS | -4

Wright put up 10 points in the 2nd Q and a 9 point 4th Q topped off a solid night in the Motor City for #4.  So, I have to ask, “Where was this type of production all year?”
Lavoy Allen, C 13 MIN | 2-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 0 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 4 PTS | 0

Ugghhh…
Justin Holiday, SG 28 MIN | 3-9 FG | 4-4 FT | 2 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 2 BLK | 1 TO | 11 PTS | -2

A career highs in minutes (28), field goal attempts (9) and points (11) doesn’t impress me.  Can we please find a reserve guard of true NBA caliber for 2013-14?
Kwame Brown, C DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |

I am so happy that the last two stops on Kwame-palooza for this year are Detroit and Indy.  If it was Miami and Orlando, I would be furious.
Doug Collins

He gets the A+ becasue this was the next to last time I have to watch his ultra conservative offensive sets run by the Sixers.

After the jump, Six Things We Saw Last Night…


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BYE, BYE DOUG

Posted by: Philadunkia
04/15/13 11:57 am EST

In addition to winning back-to-back games and further damaging the franchise’s 2013 NBA Draft Lottery position, the Sixers also stirred up a bunch of drama over the weekend.

First their were the reports based on “sources” that the 76ers ownership group was eager to have head coach Doug Collins simply walk away at the end of this season.  Of course those rumors / reports were later denied and discounted by other reports from “sources” within the Sixers organization.  Adam Aron stated that the Sixers wanted Collins back in 2013-14.  Collins himself refused to comment on any of the reports when pressed on the topic on Friday night in Washington, DC.

Then late last night, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports “broke” the worst kept secret in Philadelphia when he reported that Doug has informed Sixers ownership that he in fact intends to resign at the end of this season.  Yahoo is also noting that the Sixers ownership group and Doug’s lawyers are working on a buyout for the final year of DC’s contract.

So, DC  is out of here.  Which is something we said weeks ago would happen at the end of this season.

Our opinions on the decision after the jump.


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GM 80: (B2B W’s) RAPID REACTS

Posted by: Jake Fischer
04/14/13 8:08 pm EST
Cleveland Cavaliers 77 FinalRecap | Box Score 91 Philadelphia 76ers
Thaddeus Young, SF 33 MIN | 5-11 FG | 4-6 FT | 9 REB | 4 AST | 3 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 14 PTS | +22Another game, more hustle and effectiveness out of Thad.  This guy just competes every single night and every single play. While he’s undersized at the PF, his heart lets him play like he’s three inches taller.  This guy should be a starter in Philadelphia until he retires.
Evan Turner, SF 31 MIN | 3-10 FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 4 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 7 PTS | +18Turner did a great job rebounding the ball today, but he again put up another dreadful shooting performance.  At this point of the season, you would think Turner would be balling out to try and spark a contract extension discussion.  But, that’s just not happening.
Spencer Hawes, C 36 MIN | 6-11 FG | 1-2 FT | 5 REB | 6 AST | 2 STL | 4 BLK | 2 TO | 14 PTS | +20Spence had a solid game offensively, but he was seemingly nowhere to be found on the glass.  Of the 76ers’ 39 team rebounds, Hawes only had 5 and he’s by far the tallest on the roster.
Jrue Holiday, PG 32 MIN | 6-17 FG | 1-1 FT | 5 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 14 PTS | +21Jrue continues to struggle shooting the ball, but I’m giving him an A+ for being the only Sixer to recognize the need to tank!  With each missed shot, it’s as if Jrue is screaming, “I need some help! Give me a high pick!”
Damien Wilkins, SG 30 MIN | 5-9 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 11 PTS | +10At 33 years old, for Wilkins to go out and play 30 min, shoot 56.5 percent from the field and hit the glass is phenomenal.  We all know this Sixers team needs a veteran locker room presence with their large crop of young players.  Adam Aron should really think about retaining this savvy vet.
Arnett Moultrie, PF 24 MIN | 5-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 3 TO | 10 PTS | -10With more minutes comes more production from Moultrie.  This young man knows how to play around the basket and plays hard.  He had three offensive rebounds and also was extremely efficient.  But, he does need to keep the turnovers down.
Dorell Wright, SF 25 MIN | 6-13 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 15 PTS | -4Is Wright playing for a new contract?  Over his last five games, the sharpshooter is averaging 11.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game — both well above his season averages.  This team needs efficient role players and he could potentially be one.
Lavoy Allen, C 4 MIN | 0-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 0 PTS | -4He said he didn’t learn anything during his first two seasons under Doug Collins.  Maybe he learned something while he was sitting on the bench.
Justin Holiday, SG 26 MIN | 2-7 FG | 1-2 FT | 1 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 1 TO | 6 PTS | -3Justin went out there and had fun.  You can tell he’s trying to make the most of his opportunity with this franchise and he’s bringing great energy.  That’s all you could ask for from a guy in his situation.
Kwame Brown, C DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS | Great hustle out there, big guy!
Charles Jenkins, PG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS | In a blowout game this late in the season, you would have liked to see Jenkins get some run here.  But this is clearly a Holiday town.
Royal Ivey, PG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS | Ivey has now played 3 minutes in the past 4 games.  He’s come along way from throwing the game-ending turnover against Milwaukee back in February.
Nick Young, SG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS | Swaggy P has just dealt with injuries all season long.  Hopefully he can get healthy over this summer and prove to another team he’s worthy of a contract.
Doug Collins

He played both Moultrie and Holiday (the younger half) for at least half of the game.  He also has handled the pressure and rumors of his fate with this team very well.  For that, I’m giving old Collins his first A from me…. ever.

After the Jump, Six Things We Saw…


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GM 79: (DAMN W) RAPID REACTS

Posted by: C. Smith
04/12/13 10:18 pm EST
Philadelphia 76ers 97 FinalRecap | Box Score 86 Washington Wizards
Thaddeus Young, SF 34 MIN | 8-9 FG | 2-2 FT | 13 REB | 1 AST | 4 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 18 PTS | +15A highly efficient double-double was capped with great energy hustle. He scored 5 straight in the 2nd Q and was a big part of the 3rd Q run that sealed this one.
Evan Turner, SF 24 MIN | 0-11 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 7 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 0 PTS | -6“The Enigma’s” 0-11 is most shots by a 76er without a bucket in at least 28 yrs.  Matt Geiger did it in 1999 vs the Grizzlies & Hersey Hawkins in 1993 vs Mavs (both went 0-10).  You just got compared to Matt Geiger…EWWWW…But, how good was the “The Hawk”?
Spencer Hawes, C 36 MIN | 7-16 FG | 0-0 FT | 8 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 3 TO | 15 PTS | +6Spence returns to his double-double (or near) form and the Sixers win.  Go figure.  Hawes got off to a quick start with six in the 1st.  His five points in the 4th Q were huge too.  However his four 3PAs were not pleasing to watch.  The 3PA he tossed up early in the SC during the 4th Q drove me nuts.
Jrue Holiday, PG 37 MIN | 8-17 FG | 5-5 FT | 0 REB | 7 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 22 PTS | +12Welcome back Jrue.  A solid shooting night and only two TOs. He scored four straight and seven overall in the big 3rd Q.  He also did a respectable job on Wall in the 2nd half (not so much in the 1st half).  Jrue got to the FT line and knocked ‘em down as well.
Damien Wilkins, SG 30 MIN | 6-13 FG | 1-1 FT | 6 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 3 TO | 15 PTS | +9That’s more like it from DC’s favorite cagey veteran.
Arnett Moultrie, PF 17 MIN | 3-5 FG | 1-2 FT | 5 REB | 1 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 7 PTS | +5I coulda’ been a player this year…
Dorell Wright, SF 25 MIN | 5-12 FG | 1-1 FT | 6 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 13 PTS | +13A slow start and a couple of terrible 3PAs early in the 2nd Q kept #4 from getting an “A” tonight.
Lavoy Allen, C 8 MIN | 0-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 0 PTS | -6Uggghhh
Justin Holiday, SG 20 MIN | 3-5 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 7 PTS | +13Congrats on your first NBA 3-pointer and a career-high scoring night.  Now go start the hot tub for Jrue and order some take out…
Nick Young, SG 9 MIN | 0-3 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 0 PTS | -6It was nice knowing you Swaggy.
Kwame Brown, C DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS | I read on Twitter that he had a nice jog around the monument area in DC.
Doug CollinsThe fact that he somehow motivated and coached this team to a road W this late in a lost season is no small miracle.

After the Jump, Six Things We Saw…


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IS the WIZ’S FUTURE BRIGHTER??

Posted by: Steve Toll
04/12/13 5:22 pm EST

Heading into tonight’s game, the 76ers face a Washington Wizards team that has a similar record and future outlook going forward, if you are only looking at things on the surface.  

As you peek down the rabbit hole, that judgement seems wrong.  It also depends on how you are looking at things as well as your opinion on what you want out of a bright future.  

Since it seems obvious that the 76ers aren’t going to tank in 2013-14 for Wiggins, there is no doubt that Washington is right now in a better place than the 76ers.


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