MVN: Most Valuable Network

VOTE IGUODALA FOR ALL-STAR

First, please allow me to congratulate you on the new job. Anyone could see that this was the culmination of a lifelong dream for you. You are deeply rooted in Philadelphia Basketball; that much was evident given that your introductory press conference was practically a who’s who of Philly Hoops tradition. Far as I could tell from the coverage I saw, the only people we didn't see or hear from during your welcome were either John Chaney or Sonny Hill. So, I can say I am glad that a man who clearly bleeds Philly (and who is a fellow Penn guy) is being given a shot to run our team. It reminds me a little of when Pat Croce took over way back when, except that you are a basketball guy as well.

I am actually much more satisfied with your stellar reputation around the league, because a homeboy who doesn’t know Mark Jackson from Marc Jackson from Michael Jackson would not have been a good thing. There are those around the league who consider you a rising star in the executive ranks who was overdue for a chance to run his own kingdom. That you had chances to do just that in both Portland and Cleveland (with LeBron, no less), and yet turned them down, while obviously chomping at the bit to run the Sixers speaks volumes about both your loyalty and your passion for our city.

So, what are you going to do?

By all accounts, you have carte blanche. The fact that you have that golden boy rep and decades-long friendships with many of the power structure at Comcast has assured you of much freedom. However, since the ink is barely dry on your nameplate, would you allow me to share some thoughts and make a few suggestions to help you get started?

As someone with a lifelong Philly "fanhood" (you should check out this article about the fans by Anthony Gilbert, by the way), you are probably aware of what works in this city and what does not. This city likes grit, certainly, but some flair with that grit (see Iverson, Allen or Barkley, Charles or Erving, Julius, or Chamberlain, Wilt) would not hurt either. You have said more than once that since Wilt was traded twice, that means there is no such thing as an “untouchable.” That’s good; gives me hope that you will do what’s necessary to build a contender. You have professed that your model for building a contender is the Detroit Pistons. That is a team that was built with astute, shrewd moves rather than having a Hall-of-Famer or two drop into their laps (looking at you, Celtics).

You said, “The style we'll have to play is an athletic type of style. In order to bolster things, you want to bring in more athleticism… Just looking at it quickly, I like that we're athletic, and maybe we should get real athletic.”

I have got to say, I like the sound of that. If I get your gist, you are saying you want the Sixers to become a something like a “real athletic” version of the Pistons, which I guess might look a little like a semi-Phoenix Suns style of team that also plays strong D. Sounds like a fun, entertaining winner to me.

Oh, another thing; in your previous comments you have singled out Lou Williams, Andre Iguodala and Sam Dalembert as solid pieces of a potential core. You stated on Daily News Live that Iguodala reminds you of a more versatile, playmaking Richard Jefferson who still possesses upside. That’s good; shows me you see his value. The previous regime failed to lock him up so it falls to you. Please don’t let him get away.

Speaking of potential, Lou is already absolute murder in the open floor, where his speed, explosion and ability to change direction makes him tough to stop. He can score in bunches and also displays good court vision and smart decision-making in the half-court offense, especially in Screen/Roll situations. And, ye gads, he’s still only 21! Another thing that I like about him is his much-improved jump shot, which has consistent form. Apparently, working with former Cavaliers sharpshooter Mark Price has worked wonders. Please suggest that he keeps working at it, and don’t let him get away this summer either.

Sam could be a Marcus Camby/Tyson Chandler type; you said you admired his commitment to Team Canada, saying it showed him having a focus on the game. He has shown a definite improvement this year in the little things, though I don’t want to say he’s turned the corner just yet. It is still early, after all. Perhaps, with your reputed sales skills, you and Canada’s coaching staff might convince the “Haitian Sensation” that a trip to one of the summer big man’s camps, run by either Hakeem Olajuwon or Pete Newell, might be a good idea as well. Just saying.

These three are not "untouchable," but are keepers; they need that post scoring threat, a la Rasheed Wallace or Carlos Boozer, to really take off. Now, is that guy on the roster? Could it be Jason Smith or Herbert Hill? Could it be Thaddeus Young, he who allegedly is not done growing? Or, is it someone to be drafted, traded for or signed later? I do not know. But hopefully you will.

So, what about the coach? Listen, I like Mo. Have no doubts he is a “Philly guy” even though he is from Chicago. He is a good man and that dunk from 1983 is one of my fondest memories. But, and this is a big Barkley-in-80’s shorts-T-Mobile-ad sized “but,” he is not a good head coach. A good motivator maybe, but not a good tactician. It is painful for me to admit, because I genuinely like Mo, we share a birth sign (Virgo) and everything. But, he is not a good coach overall.

Now that we got that painful admission out of the way, the question becomes where do you go next. Everybody, including yourself, proclaims you a risk-taker, someone unafraid of making an unconventional move if you think it will succeed. That’s good, means we might not see the usual suspects list of retreads trotted out for interviews once Mo is inevitably “moved upstairs.” You sound unafraid to be creative and daring. Maybe you might consider a young, hungry, up-and-coming assistant from a Phoenix or a San Antonio. Or, you could bring in an imaginative thinker with NBA experience and a Euroleague background, somebody who could be your very own Mike D’Antoni, perhaps.

Might I make another suggestion though? You told CSN’s Neil Hartman after your press conference that you have no “guys” waiting in the wings, since your “guys” are all under contract in Jersey (Lawrence Frank), Washington (Eddie Jordan) or the Big Easy (Byron Scott). However, as a former broadcaster, there is another person often thought of as head coaching material with whom you might be familiar. Here is a hint: He sits next to Marv Albert for the Nets broadcasts on YES Network.

Yep, the aforementioned Mark Jackson, “who many NBA executives believe is destined to become a solid coach.” He is an astute student of the game, a solid communicator and a strong leader. He has a winning pedigree, having reached the Finals with the Indiana Pacers and has played for a number of Hall-of-Fame coaches including Pat Riley, Jerry Sloan and Larry Brown. By all accounts, he knows his stuff. If you did this, you could pull a “Larry Bird/Indiana,” meaning you bring Jackson in to run things while hiring veteran assistants to help him. It could work.

Another off-the-beaten path suggestion would be current Sixers assistant Aaron McKie, another guy who has played for numerous Hall-of-Fame-caliber coaches (Brown, Phil Jackson, John Cheney, Bill Ellerbe) at nearly every level going back to his high school days at Simon Gratz. He is a Philly guy, much like you, and has been considered a “coach-on-the-floor” for every team he has played for. Since you probably were the broadcast analyst during most of Aaron’s games at Temple, I am quite sure you are already familiar with him, though.

Hey, if you want a truly revolutionary idea, might I suggest Dawn Staley? She is already a very good head coach, a true leader, and gifted communicator who is Philadelphia, through and through. She is essentially a blend of McKie and Jackson, plus she is familiar with European style ball from her years overseas. Just be willing to keep an open mind.

The key is to be willing to bring in someone who has the same passion you do, who shares the same vision as you do. You must have a synergy, or else it will not work. Of course, you probably already know that.

Here is wishing you luck going forward. I do not have to tell you everyone is watching with baited breath. 25 years is a long time between winners. Hopefully, the countdown to the end of that famine has begun.

Sincerely,

Sean Watts

Passion and Pride

P.S.  Would you mind maybe keeping those '83 uniforms and junk the black jerseys. Also, could see if Fred Carter might not mind being the permanent broadcast partner for your old buddy Zumoff?  Just saying.

BONUS: Previously on Passion and Pride, Passing the Pass: Wednesday wrap on MVN's NBA coverage | RECAP: SIXERS VS CELTICS - “Tale of Two Halves” | Perfection gives Sixers a shot against Boston | Wednesday rewind on Passion and Pride: The Billy King firing | GAME TIME: Politics as usual in Philadelphia | GameThink: “A Dream Come True” | GameThink: BREAKING NEWS…This just in, Billy King’s reign is over

**Like what you read?  Please head over to BallHype by clicking here (free registration required) and selecting the upward arrow next to this story.  Leave your comments below as well.  E-mail may be sent to sixers@mvn.com.  Thank you!**