Rumors are swirling, and talk is buzzing. It’s the NBA, and this is actually happening in April. Traditionally, the month of April is quiet in terms of rumors and breaking news. With teams either locked into Playoff contention or discussing its strategy heading into July, the last thing anybody would expect to hear is that a General Manager has stepped down from his position — no matter what the team.
Nonetheless, that is exactly what happened late last Tuesday night. Sam Hinkie, in the style of a 13-page resignation, officially stepped down from his role of General Manager after nearly four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers.
While this move wasn’t necessarily ideal in Philadelphia’s mind, it was a move many have been anticipating for quite some time now. This early, during the first week of April? Not necessarily, but when Jerry Colangelo was named Chairman of the 76ers back in December, Hinkie’s exit became inevitable.
Sam Hinkie’s unexpected exit has raised questions around the league, some pertaining to whether head coach Brett Brown’s job was safe anymore despite the head coach signing an extension just a few months ago. The popular thought had Brown likely departing in the near future. This would then allow new General Manager Bryan Colangelo and company to start fresh and hire a new head coach. However, such doesn’t seem likely, at least for now.
According to Keith Pompey of The Inquirer, Brett Brown is here to stay.
#Sixers coach Brett Brown's job is safe, according to a league source. pic.twitter.com/9EALPft2ag
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 7, 2016
Following the news of Philadelphia signing Brown to an extension months ago, Hall of Fame and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had kind words for him.
Following from ESPN.com:
Popovich said Friday he is “thrilled” for Brown. “It’s thrilling to see an ownership make a decision like that because they know the qualities of the individual and don’t just look at the record”, Popovich said. “They know what he’s about. They know what he’s worth. They know what he’s made up of and what he’s done and has contributed already. That doesn’t happen very often. Its very, very rare. So they deserve a lot of credit for seeing that and acting on it. Its pretty spectacular.
After signing Brett Brown to a two-year extension back in December, the Philadelphia 76ers appear willing to stay loyal to their head coach. However, will a sudden change of scenery squash this theory? Regardless, it appears Brett Brown is comfortable in Philadelphia (ESPN):
“I love the city of Philadelphia. It’s real”, he said. “It’s difficult, at times, going through what we all go through. I like raising my little 11 year-old son, being on the streets of Philadelphia playing playground basketball, my kids going through the Lower Merion school district”.
Right now, Brown leaving Philadelphia seems highly improbable. Expect Brett Brown to at least finish out this season, and Philadelphia probably won’t move on from anytime soon with his new extension. The 76ers appear to like Brown, and the feelings are mutual for the time being.
