As predicted, it became official today: Doug Collins is the new head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Collins was the first person Sixers General Manager Ed Stefanski interviewed, back on May 1. The two sides started negotiations a few days ago and have reached a four-year deal, according to Associated Press.
Collins replaces Eddie Jordan, whose Princeton offense put off Sixers players in training camp. To say that Jordan lost the team implies he had it at some point, and that was not the case. It was a bad fit.
Collins will bring some passion. He cares about the game, about playing smart basketball, about respecting the sport. Players should connect with that. Now, how Collins deals with Elton Brand in December may be a different matter all together.
Collins takes over a team with some nice young players -- Jrue Holiday at the point, Andre Iguodala, Samuel Dalembert, Thaddeus Young, Marreese Speights -- but hampered from rebuilding by the anchor that is Brand, his enormous contract and pedestrian output. The Sixers do, however, have the second pick overall in the draft and can add Evan Turner to the mix.
Collins is expected to be formally introduced as the coach on Monday.
