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Report: John Kuester leading candidate to become 76ers’ No. 1 assistant coach

IL: Detroit Pistons v Chicago Bulls

CHICAGO - DECEMBER 02: Head coach John Kuester of the Detroit Pistons watches as his team takes on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 2, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pistons 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jonathan Daniel

Before becoming a hilariously bad coach with the Pistons(sadly, “hilarious” is how his players found his tenure) and demoted with the Lakers, John Kuester was a good assistant under Larry Brown in Detroit and Mike Brown in Cleveland.

Kuester does not have the personality to be a good head coach, but the world learning that doesn’t mean he suddenly lost his basketball knowledge and ability to help from farther down the bench. Brett Brown and the 76ers realize that, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

Kuester was the Cavaliers’ offensive coordinator, but his background is really on the defensive end. He’s competent enough in both that Philadelphia doesn’t need to pigeonhole him, and he’d help the team in any role.

Plus, the 76ers are young enough and without the cache to disrespect him at every turn. So, I’m sure Kuester would appreciate that, and apparently, he’s comfortable working for Browns.

The latest Brown boss, Brett, also would get himself a little more job security (not that he lacked it entering his first season of a four-year contract), because there’s no way Philadelphia would fire him mid-season if it meant promoting Kuester to head coach.