Embiid says thought of firing 76ers’ Brown is ‘B.S.’
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star middle Joel Embiid defended coach Brett Brown on Monday amid hypothesis that the coach’s job is in danger due to the group’s second-round exit from the playoffs.
Embiid referred to as the concept Brown may be fired “bulls—,” saying, “He is achieved a unbelievable job. He is been there by every part.
Brett Brown is “an incredible coach, a greater particular person,” Joel Embiid says. Rob Carr/Getty Pictures
“This yr I feel he grew much more as a coach. He discovered, all of us discovered.
“On the finish of the day, it comes all the way down to the gamers. I do not assume he ought to have something to fret about. He is an incredible coach, a greater particular person. … If there was somebody accountable, I imply, put all of it on me.”
Earlier than the playoffs, group proprietor Josh Harris mentioned he anticipated the 76ers to no less than attain the East finals. And at a information convention earlier than the playoffs, Harris refused to say whether or not Brown would return and supplied solely a lukewarm endorsement of the coach’s efficiency.
Brown has coached the 76ers for six seasons, together with a 10-win season in 2015-16, and has been championed by possession and the entrance workplace for having endurance by what former normal supervisor Sam Hinkie dubbed “The Course of.” However the Sixers — who rebuilt their roster with two blockbuster trades — had larger expectations this season.
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Brown’s gamers have typically expressed their admiration and confidence within the coach.
“What he is achieved for this group is nothing in need of exceptional,” 76ers guard JJ Redick mentioned Monday. “I might simply say this basically, for any NBA group, when you consider a coach, and doubtlessly changing that coach, you need to think about what coaches can be found. I do not really feel it essential to defend Brett to anybody. I feel his work speaks for itself.”
The choice on Brown is an important one for first-year normal supervisor Elton Model, who additionally has to resolve how you can deal with the group’s free brokers.
Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and Redick are headed into free company, with a max contract possible looming for Butler.
“I have not considered it an excessive amount of,” Butler mentioned Monday. “I’ve received to sit down down and actually speak to my group.”
Harris, a trade-deadline pickup from the LA Clippers, can even command a max deal from the Sixers. The Sixers are already on the hook for the $121 million left on Embiid’s deal, and Ben Simmons is a yr out from incomes a max-level extension.
The Related Press contributed to this story.