Collins: 'I can't wait'
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Collins: 'I can't wait'
An enthusiastic Doug Collins said he was thrilled to be home and he returns to Philadelphia as the Sixers' 23rd head coach. Collins was the team's No. 1 overall pick in 1973.
"I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and go to work here," Collins said. "There are some nice young peices in this organization. This team two years in a row was in the playoffs and won 41 games two years ago.
"This is going to be a defensive-minded team, with speed, quickness, high energy. We have some players on the team that I am going to have to revitalize, get their joy in the game back. When I look at the Eastern Conference, everything is so fluid … I feel very strongly the Philadelphia 76ers can be very competitive. I promised Mr. Snider this is a team he will enjoy watch to play, compete, play passionately and give fans their money's worth. Nobody knows the pulse of the city as an athlete like I do. I know if you play hard, play with joy and play as a team these people will support you. I want people to come back, be happy about their team, build it day-by-day. I’m a builder. The bigger the challenge, the more it excites me. I’ve taken on challenges everywhere I’ve been."
Collins has been away from the NBA as a head coach since the 2002-03 season, but has been an analyst with TNT.
He said he knew about 4 years ago that he planned to get back into the league as a coach, but would only consider Philadelphia or Chicago.
"I feel very up to date that I know what’s going on," Collins said. "Trust me, I am in touch with the modern day player. I love to coach, I love to teach and I’m proud to be a 76er again."
Collins stressed defense as the key to the Sixers' turnaround:"Everywhere I've been, we're going to be a high energy, very intense defensive team," he said. "Something we work on every day in practice. Something that becomes our calling card and get us through the tough times."
Collins mentoned trying to get Elton Brand and Thadeus Young back on track.
"Elton is going to be critical and get him playing the way he is capable of playing," Collins said. "He has to get healthy and get him feeling good about himself. There are some pieces, now it’s up to me to put it together. Last year was a perfect storm. Everything that could go wrong did. Guys will be excited to play, go to work and be here with the Sixers."
Asked how much retooling the roster would need, Collins said, "I don't think that much." He also cautioned that there are no shortcuts or quick fixes.
"I’m going to put all ounces of my energy into this position," he said.
Collins declined to announce his staff, but did say that Aaron McKie will remain.
As for the first step, Collins said, "We’re talking about being relevant again. I want the 76ers to be on people’s tongues again. I want the 76ers to be the basketball team that people want to see. This city loves pro basketball. This is one of the signature franchises in the NBA … We have to build something that lasts. Have core guys for 7, 8, 9 years. When you start making quick fixes, it doesn’t last.”
On Jrue Holiday: “The NBA is a point-guard driven league. That’s why I am excited to have a terrific young point guard that we can build around.”
On coaching the current NBA player: "I consider myself a teacher first and foremost. I love to watch guys get better. To me, when you teach guys how to play, you can turn ownership over, guys feel comfortable ... All players want to be coached. The great players want to learn. Players today did not grow up with tough coaches like I did ... You have to be careful when you teach and coach, you have to be careful to do it in a positive way and not make it personal. That I want you to get better. Incredible balance in truth and love. Too much truth is no good, neither is too much love. Best players I have been around always wanted to know the truth.” He also said he expected his young team to practice often.
On whether he has a specific system: "You can’t say I’m going to take this group and play this way. You have to say, what do I have and build the team around that. Every year I’ve coached I’ve had a different system because I’ve never had the same team. Every year have to adjust and play to their personality."
Team president and general manager Ed Stefanski introduced Collins with this: "When we started this process, I mentioned that we wanted to find a coach who is a teacher, a motivator and a manager. They were the three items we were really looking for. When we met Doug and sat in his home for a long time, it became clear what a teacher he was … His knowledge of the game is second to none. He is very detail-oriented. No slippage, accountability, which is dear to my heart. He is like me, we dot the I’s and cross the T’s. From a motivational standpoint, his passion for the game how he will teach these guys and give them the extra they need, he has it in him."
He's getting me excited. Make it happen Doug!— Grazman- I can't wait either Doug!! Last season was worse then bad! But, everything happens for a reason. Welcome home #20!!— I See
i cant believe i am saying this, but i am REALLY looking forward to next season. i'm not expecting a championship, but to know that your team is improving and playing the right way and will be competitive is very refreashen.- Yes. It was nice to listen to a coach with brains. Last yr had to be the worst season ever listening to fast Eddie! Doug Collins will get these players to play! He wont laugh at every question like goofy Eddie— stefanskimakesmesick
NBA is dying a slow death.
Jordan had the same enthusiasm last year. THATS WHEN THE SEASON STARTED IN ORLANDO! Sixers lose by what??? 30! I'M NOT BUYING! PROVE ME WRONG!— combocancer1975- If you look at the East, they do not have that far to go. If they draft Turner, move Iggy and get a good defensive minded big in return; move or just wait out Sammy, Kapono, Green, then they have something. The East stinks, and even with LeBron doing his magical mystery tour the power is still in the West. The Sixers will be good in two years, but not good enough unless they get lucky...— cadilacjack
Nice to hear the enthusiasm! But don't tell Steven A-- Smith that. He is disappointed for some reason...- Combo, unlike Jordan, Doug Collins has a track record of turning teams around. He's not all talk, the guy is a leader, teacher and the best coach this team could hope for. Jordan had nothing to back up his talk, a sub-.500 coach. Doug Collins has been there and turned teams around, he's a younger Larry Brown without the worry of him wanting to depart every year. It was nice Doug wasn't cowing down to Ed Stefanski, saying that they all need to be held accountable and make moves to get better. Doug Collins did more than I expected him to: give me hope this team can be turned around. Stefanskimakesmesick - last year was nothing, remember Iverson's first year was an 18 win team, his second was like 23 wins and the 76ers hold the record for the fewest wins ever - 9 wins in the 70's (what was it 73?)9 wins and 73 losses. Imagine that!— joecooler2u
- Last year I said until both Ed's were gone I was done coming to games. I'm changing my mind. Doug Collins will be the voice of all moves for the Sixers. He is smart and honest. I'm glad he is the new coach. He can talk to players and can also adapt his system based on the players talents. I will be spending my money again going to Sixers games after a long pause. I haven't been to a game since Cheeks was fired. I'm happy to return now with Doug Collins as the coach. I won't be embarrassed to say I'm a Sixers fan anymore.!— d schwartz
- OK Eddie, now go get a couple of GOOD free agents. There are plenty out there this year.— craig123
- Like Collins and I like how he took a shot at Jordan by saying you can't force a system you need to play to the personnel you have. Stefanski probably shrunk in his seat when he heard it.— pgcd3
- I'm with Combo. I'm a fan and always watch but I'm not getting any hopes up. They won't be as bad as last year. From there we'll see. Let's see what the roster will end up looking like. Simply adding the #2 is okay, moving some kind of combo of Sammy, Brand, Iggy, and adding some other pieces could be interesting.— DennyP
- Doug Collins WILL GET THIS team back and MAKE them RELEVANT again. Much in the molds of Billy Cunningham, and Larry Brown in terms of instant credibility and HOPE. To also see Gene Shue back in the 76ers organization in some capacity is GREAT! God Bless Ed Snider & Peter Luuko for making this HIRE! This WAS the ONLY way to go. To the idiots out there who questioning this hire, just shut up and see how much this team will improve in the coming years. Playoffs next year, and the Finals in 3 years.— dudega
- Enthusiasm,like cynicism, is contagious. Convince one guy that he can play;he'll convince another and so on down the line until the whole team starts to believe in themselves. It starts at the top. Congratulations Doug Collins. Welcome home.— Rick Wise Guy
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
