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.
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
- why didn't stefanski hire him last year?!?! Get Stiffanski out of here!— ArtieLange
- Doug E Fresh.....Unfortunately, the team is only as strong as its weakest link......the front office. I'm afraid you are in a position to fail. Oh well, MJ didn't like you either, so, I'm sure you will get over it.— Voytas
- Collins is a class act. This is a good move. Reminds me of when the Phillies hired Pat Gillick.— Richard_LV
- 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." This means he is not going to cram a "Princeton offense" down the players throats? You would have NEVER heard Special Eddie say that. Welcome Coach Collins- let's bring the passion back to philadelphia! Go 76ers!— spizz
- I'm cool with Collins being our coach. Anything is better than Eddie Jordan. Maybe the whole Jordan hiring was to underacheive & get a lottery pick. Who knows? Maybe it was part of the plan.That's the only sense I can make out of that 1 yr fiasco. Trade Thad before Igoudala. We need some bruisers in here (we have none). This is an extremely soft team for the record. We need some players willing to get dirty & i dont think we have that. Name one. I'll wait.....— XmarksTheSpot
- Yoy cannot win a championship without one of the top 2 or 3 players in the NBA. Unless the #2 draft pick turns out to be the next Kobe, LeBron, or Durrant, the Sixers will not win a title. It is not a star driven league...it is a superstar driven league. I am glad the Sixers hired Collins, but superstars win rings. We need one.— fb-omniscient
- The anti-Eddie J! Malpractice that Stefanski didn't even consider Doug over Eddie J last year! Every answer Doug gave was spot on and the opposite of how Eddie J answered. Good things to come!— JBP
Doug is one of us. I'm glad he's back. I was excited when they drafted him. They were starting to become good again after that horrible 1972 season.
Optimistic, clear talk from Collins. Such a relief after a wasted year of listening to Jordan. Let's go SIXERS! Defend, rebound, and run!— Leegles- The difference is no Andre Miller. Who are you giving the keys to the car to?— rgoldberg
- Like Collins a lot for this team, now draft Turner, Move Iggy or Young to the T-wolves for another first Rd pick (they have 3) and draft another big man.Hopefully Doug will get a set starting 5. I think they have to move at least one big contract for some flexibility.— jss31
He said exactly what everyone said all season. It was the DEFENSE. He said you don't coach a style you coach to your players talents. Jordan and Collins aren't even in the same league. I really thing this hire had nothing to do with STIFFanski. How can a guy not even get an interview last season. STIFFanski was probably told to do this. People like to bring up how Collins couldn't get it done in Chicago. He laid the foundation. This team needed leadership. It has it now. 45 wins is not out of the question in the East.- I'm estatic that Collins will help us find a renewed confidence in #9. Like Phil Jackson said, Iggy is a top defender in this league and is a bright young talent. Collins will hopefully "revitalize" and remind Iggy of his role and his strengths, which will help develop him into a more solid ball player, a guy that we value and want in a Sixers uniform. I honestly think we're one superstar and a no. 2 draft pick away from title contention, if Collins can indeed get our guys on the right track, ie. Brand, Iggy, Thad, and Lou.— asianbutta
- I saw Doug play Mike Schmidt a few times at the Spectrum before games - good thing Schmidt stuck with baseball - Collins will school our young team just liked he schooled Schmitty...— grimreaper
- Doug it's great to have you back. This team has a great tradition,but you wouldn't know it by what has gone on the last couple years. I glad we now have a coach in place who understands the city,the teams tradition and the players on the team today. The excited Doug collins has me excited. It feels great to feel good about the Sixers again.— ceewop1
- Collins and the 2nd pick are steps in the right direction. But lets be honest here....the only teams that win titles are those with one of the top 5 players in the NBA to build around. The Celtics needed three hall of famers plus Rondo, and still might lose to the Lakers. So lets not kid ourselves, without a top 5 NBA player, the best the Sixers could do with all the right moves is second round of the playoffs.— JonKap
- At this point it seems most logical to keep Iguodala and slide him to 3, after drafting Turner of course. After the season you get Dalembert, Kapono and Green off the books, freeing up some $20+ mil to go after someone like Zach Randolph. Somewhere along the line they're gonna need some shooters to stretch the floor. That's my hope anyway, we'll see what direction Collins heads
Comment removed.- I support Collins but Stefanski si still an idiot. Really? Who the heck is "ED STEFANSKI" to interview Doug Collins for over 6 hours? If you don't know what Collins can offer at this point, then why bother?— davekrieg
- These are totally different comments from when Eddie Jordan was announced as the new Head Coach... I didn't like that choice then. I was wondering why Dough Collins didn’t get an interview last year. I've always been a Dough Collins fan and I hope that he can deliver. I want to believe... I want to believe...— DESIXERSFAN
- I dont think I can take watching Willie Greene for another year! Please draft Evan Turner!!!!— prep97
- did anyone see the pics of dougie through the years and in photo #10 of 21 they show an ap file pic of dougie going up against kevin grevey, left handed shooting guard of the then washington 'bullets' and end of the caption reads: "the player on the right is unidentified". it's julius 'errrrvvviiinnng!!!!' (a la the zink) one of the all time 50 greatest nba players ever. it's doctor 'j' !!! just called the city desk to report this. who's the editor down there ? !!!— phillyfansrdumb
- Much will depend on six things: 1. Holiday needs to become an NBA point guard who can pass to teammates in good position to score, much like Andre Miller, with whom the Sixers won 81 regular season games in two seasons. 2. Iguodala needs to be only a small forward, not a guard, needs to focus on his already stellar defense and rebounding. low post scoring, and running the wing on the break. Shoot rarely, if ever, shoot the three. 3. Brand needs to pick it up on defense and rebounding and learn to actually pass the ball off the low post occasionally. 4. Turner needs to be the two guard. 5. Dalembert, at least until he is traded at the deadline, needs to focus on defense and rebounding and passing. 6. Kapono, Young, and Williams need to be instant offense off the bench. Forget about free agents. Sixers have NO cap space.— chuckw
- Yo Citizen 92. The Seventies called and they want you and your worn out "the NBA is dying" nonsense back. And take Eskin with you. How many years have we been listening to that garbage? Welcome back Doug and Let's Go Sixers!— JLH
- Evan Turner would fit nicely here. What happens if he goes number one. Washington could trade number one or draft Turner themselves. We don't need Wall. Its not a given that Wall goes first.
- Am glad for the choice- but they still need 2-3 horrible years with very high draft picks. They would not have the #2 pick if Jordan had been fired earlier and they won more. They NEED to stink for a few more years. Both Brand and Iggy are not winners and need to go. Keep Sammy D and let his contract expire so they can re-build. This team is a major, major project!!!— rwolffd12
- The NY Post is saying that the Sixers have been shopping the No. 2 pick as a way to get rid of Brand's contract. If this happens, I'm done with this franchise until Stiffanski is fired. I was willing to give him one more chance, but this would be the most moronic move of all time. FIRE STIFFANSKI NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.— VonHayes09
- The NY Post is saying that the Sixers have been shopping the No. 2 pick as a way to get rid of Brand's contract. If this happens, I'm done with this franchise until Stiffanski is fired. I was willing to give him one more chance, but this would be the most moronic move of all time. FIRE STIFFANSKI NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.— VonHayes09
- Does trading Thad or Speights and next years first round get us the twelfth pick from Memphis? Kapono has a player option so he may not be back if he does have a clear role on this team.
- To me, the most important word Coach Collins used is "joy" - he wants his players to play with joy. And I want to feel joy when watching (and reading about) the team.— rruffin
- Why is he holding up Eric Snow's jersey in the picture? Bring back the SNOW STORM as an assistant!! No one can take a charge and slow the pace down like the SNOW STORM!!— FetchDixon
- Great to hear Doug, welcome back. I am even excited and yo Ed Stepanski no trading the no.2 pick. If Doug is anything like he is on TNT then the Sixers hired a excellent, insightful coach.— Jayjayhithard
"There are some nice young pieces in this organization." - I guess that leaves out Elton Brand.— EmanuelP- After reading what Doug had to say, I still am confused as to why they ever hired Jordon. He came in and made the statement, I am bringing the Princeton offense and we will run it regardless of the players. (A bit Andy Reid esque) They have now hired a coach that will actually build a system that best utilizes his players. Great job in getting him on board. Hopefully he will last a bit longer than Mo and bring some passion into the team and their game.....— sunnynsj
- What is his great track record everyone keeps talking about? He is the only coach who lost with Jordan, which he did in two different cities. His winning percentage when he coached the Wizards was lower than Eddie Jordan's when he coached the Wizards. He did help turn around Detroit, but with a huge assist from Grant Hill, who was one of the top players in the league at the time. I suspect he'll be better than Jordan, but only because he couldn't possibly be worse. I'd like to be more enthusiastic, but I don't really see what in his track record has people so excited.— JGT
Doug Collins is the man to motivate this team; a true leader. He was a joy to watch play, and he'll bring a ton of knowledge to the team. Go Doug!! Turn this team around!!— dogman5- Doug had a lot of good things to say at the press conference and his genuine positive energy was a breath of fresh air. There is a lot of work to be done. The 76ers' brass has to allow Doug to do his job, and back him up if problems arise with players. Since Larry Brown left, it has ALWAYS been the coach that got blamed and the players who got backed.— 76erfn
- JGT -- he has a WINNING record overall. and has improved all three of his previous teams record but at least 10 wins. thats something to get excited about
- Let us all hope that Doug Collins is "not like me" the me being Ed Stefanski. Let us hope instead that dotting the t's and crossing the i's -- which is what Ed has REALLY done to this team--- is not part of the Collins era.— flashgordon
- What exactly do you expect winning percentage of a coach taking over a losing team. You figure the first season will be a losing one and possibly the second season. Collins record of turning teams around is enough to get excited. The one problem is his success only last for a few seasons.
- GREAT TO SEE #20 ,COMING BACK TO COACH ,THO.. MY CAMPAIGN OF FIRING STIFFANSKI WILL CONTINUE!FIRE STIFFANSHI, HOPE HE DOESN'T TAKE CREDIT FOR COUG COMING IN.THIS SHOULDDA BEEN DONE 2 YEARS AGO,AND THEY KNOW IT!OL' STIFF MIGHT HAVE BEEN OK WITH ME IF HE HAD THE BALLS TO DI OI ,INSTEAD OF BRINGING MR PRINCETON LAME DUCK JORDAN IN.OK WE STUCK WITH BRAND,AND DALLYBUM.THERES SOME OTHER PLAYERS WE NEED TO CHANGE.BUT DOUG WILL SORT IT OUT!GLAD HE'S KEEPING AARON IN THE FOLD,AND HOPEFULLY,GET LAIMBEER IN IF HE DOESN'T GET A HEAD COACHING JOB.HE CAN REALLY SCHOOL THEM CENTERS AND FORWARDS!I'M PULLING 4 THE 6ERS,DO GET BETTER,AND CAN'T WAIT TILL THE 6ERS COME ON DOWN TO THE NEW AMWAY CENTER SO I CAN SEE EM 1ST HAND...BUT I'M NOT GONNA STOP WITH THE FIRE STIFFANSKI CAMPAIGN,BECAUSE,HE,SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MESS,O I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN KING,BUT HE'S BEEN RUN OUT ALREADT! NOW WE NEED A GM,WHO HAS TALENT SCOUT MENTALITY,SOME THING STIFF LACKS! FIRE STIFFANSKI NOW! FIRE STIFFANSKI NOW!.....WELCOME HOME COACH COLLINS!— t_darb_56
- Like Billy King, Ed Stefanski and Tony DiLeo will take at least partial credit for the Collins' hiring if the team finishes over .500 and makes the playoffs. If it is a failure, they will distance themselves from the hiring, just as they all distanced themselves from the Jordan hiring.— 76erfn
Thanks for a shot of ENTHUSIASM DOUG !!! johnnyu- no— tucole
Welcome home Doug....Get these kids to play the right way....- I'm a big Doug Collins fan, you need to read between the lines, there will be changes in the roster, build the players up and then get rid of some of them... Holiday and Turner are the future... it looks bright from here— flamediddy
- glad to see him in place before the draft. We will see how smart he really is if he doesn't draft a #2 guard who CAN'T SHOOT.— LA Mike
- I am very excited to see doug collins as the next sixers coach, he is intelligent and very savvy, he will not let the sixers lax and fail without hard work and dedication. This team WILL be much better with Doug Collins as coach, as for the front office... [although most of the idiots who made very bad decisions in years prior] This was a team that sent the number one pick to Houston for Moses Malone, and could have gotten Akeem Alojhoan, yes we won a title with moses but it was one and done, when we could have won 2 or 3 with akeem, then we used the #5 pick to select sir charles when MJ was sitting at #3, and we did not even attempt to make any move to move up via trade or nothing even when Dr J said we really need to take a look at Jordan, nobody listened, we also had the number 11 pick that year and probably could have gotten Barkley with it because nobody other than the sixers had even contacted sir charles. these blunders along with the Big $$$ money signings of deadwoods like Derek Coleman, Shawn Bradley, and now Elton Brand is why we are a mediocre team in search of a championship. hell,we were better when we had C. Jones and Darryl Dawkins than we are now. we were always in the top 5 defense and shot blocking. I think Doug Collins will, use this #2 pick wisely and get us the much needed "game changer" oh yeah almost forgot Philly also passed on local product Koby Bryant, son of former sixer and Irving teamate Joe Bryant in favor of none other than the thugster Allen Iverson. This team could have been a dynasty for years with better decisions made no doubt. Doug Collins will help this team a great deal...— bigeagle57
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.
