The Philadelphia 76ers have new ownership for the upcoming season – wait, there’s an upcoming season!? Apparently yes, which is great news all around as last year’s Sixers team brought me back as an interested fan.
What’s ahead? Some big decisions – the future Andre Iguodala in particular. But it just so happens that a few weeks back the new Sixers ownership asked the fans for their thoughts via a form set up at NewSixersOwner.com (now de-activated).
Here’s what they asked for:
We want your thoughts and suggestions as to how you think the 76ers can win more games and what you think would make attending Sixers games in person more enjoyable. Whatever is important to you, share your thoughts with us.
So here’s what I sent. Needless to say I focused on the how to win more games bit:
Hopefully all things you know! But think Moneyball. Read the NY Times article about Daryl Morey and Shane Battier. Don’t spend franchise player money unless it’s a guaranteed top 10 guy (ideally top 5). Low ball everyone else. The league is currently locked out because owners spent embarrassing amounts of money on guys who had no business making it (everyone from Rashard Lewis on down) and it crippled their flexibility for years. Don’t hire Billy King ever again – look at those contracts he gave out. Pin them up on the wall above your desk and live to avoid them.
Don’t re-sign guys that can’t play D. Don’t sign big money free agents coming off bad injuries. Make sure those veteran pieces off the bench do the small things well – defense, passing and corner threes. Stockpile assets and draft picks and lie in the weeds until there is a superstar available for trade. Then when you hit it big the city will embrace you. And sadly that may be the only time that you’ll be embraced, because last year’s team was incredibly fun to watch and it wasn’t until the final few weeks that everyone realized it.
But you’ll get there. You’ll get a high draft pick or make the right trade. And you’ll start a run of playoff appearances that will last a decade. And then you’ll have to continue to be shrewd to keep the window open. Take a look at what the Spurs did and emulate it. Then mix in a bit of the Mavericks PR and connection to the fans (Pat Croce could provide some advice too) and you’ll be ready to take over hearts and minds. Thanks and best of luck.
Here’s hoping this is the approach they decide to take and the new CBA makes it much easier for teams to escape bad contracts and stay competitive.
Tags: NBA, Philadelphia 76ers
