Slow and steady.
That has been the Philadelphia 76ers approach to everything-basketball since Sam Hinkie took over as new team president and general manager and it doesn’t appear that turtle-like strategy will change anytime soon.
Back in May after coming over from the Houston Rockets, Hinkie said he was, “just trying to use information to make decisions”, when it came to his analytic and Moneyball approach to the game and that, “some people move along quickly and others don't”.
And right now with the 76ers’ coaching search and making a final decision in the process, Hinkie and Philly are certainly not moving very quickly — that is until this week when the organization’s four-month search has reportedly come down to a final candidate.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, San Antonio Spurs assistant Brett Brown is the preferred choice to take over for Doug Collins, although the Sixers continue to keep their options open including Portland Trail Blazers assistant David Vanterpool, Philadelphia assistant Michael Curry, Boston Celtics assistant Jay Larranaga and Chicago Bulls assistant coach Adrian Griffin.
Yet it is Brown who is the one most linked to the Sixers’ gig, ever since he was rumored to be the front-runner shortly after draft day. His resume is as polished as they come: an assistant with the Spurs since 2002, won three NBA titles and formerly coached the Australian National Team, capturing Gold Medals in 2011 and the Silver in 2009, before stepping down after the London Olympics last year.
While the Sixers have had their share of critics over this long and drawn out process (insert Charles Barkley’s name here) in naming a new head coach, is there really a rush at this juncture of the offseason?
Yes, preparing for what will be a challenging upcoming offseason with the new additions of Nerlens Noel, Michael Carter-Williams, Royce White, James Anderson and Tim Ohlbrecht to go along with an already average returning group, but the important thing is that the franchise makes the right move — not just a move.
Training camp opens in October.
Plenty of time as August is only two days old.
If that means finally agreeing to terms with Brett Brown — or another candidate – takes a little longer than what the general public (and Barkley) deem is a never-ending search, than so be it.
Sam Hinkie is fine with the pace. So why can't everyone else be?
