Many in the world of the National Basketball Association felt like Brett Brown, head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, was on the hot seat. After major trades that brought in talent like Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris, the expectations for “The Process” went from patience and development to a “win now” mentality. Also, many questioned his ability to strategize in big moments especially in last year’s playoffs.
But after a devastating, last second loss to the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, and glowing endorsements from Joel Embid and Ben Simmons, Brett Brown has some job security as the 76ers brass have decided to bring him back next season according to reporting from ESPN.
“I was off social media. I heard a lot of these rumors and stuff. I just thought it was bulls—,” Joel Embiid said at the team’s practice facility Monday. “He’s done a fantastic job. He’s been there through everything, and then this year I think he grew even more as a coach. It’s hard when you’ve got five guys that can score the ball and that can do a lot of things on the basketball court. It’s hard to put it together. At the end of the day, it comes down to the players. I don’t think he should have anything to worry about. He’s an amazing coach, better person. Obviously, I’ve got a lot of love for him. If there was someone to blame, put it all on me.”
After serving as an assistant for the Spurs under Gregg Popovich, Brown was originally hired by then-GM Sam Hinkie in 2013. Brown compiled a 47-199 record in his first three seasons while the team continued to pile up assets. Hinkie was forced to resign in 2016 and Bryan Colangelo took over.
The 76ers and their fan base finally had some hope when a healthy Embiid and Ben Simmons became cornerstones of the franchise, Colangelo signed Brown to an extension through the 2021-22 season. When Colangelo was forced to resign because of the Collargate scandal, Brown briefly held the post of president of basketball operations on an interim basis until Elton Brand took up the reigns.
