Eddie Jordan ready for the challenge
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Eddie Jordan ready for the challenge
Eddie Jordan was officially introduced as the Sixers' new head coach this morning.
"It's very exciting to accept this responsibility and this challenge," Jordn said in his opening remarks to a Wachovia Center news conference. "I'm a coach, I love to coach. It's the richest tradition in basketball -- Philadelphia basketball, whether playground to the Sixers. It's the challenge at the top of the ladder when you talk about pure basketball. I'm very excited and humbled and giving it 100 percent to restore the tradition and the brand of basketball that the fans, the organization will be proud of."
Jordan said he met with Andre Igoudala last night and had spoken with Elton Brand. Igoudala, Willie Green and Jason Smith attended the press conference.
Immediately, Jordan was peppered with questions about his system and whether it fits the personnel that the Sixers have.
"There's a formula for each team to win and we're going to find that formula," Jordan said.
Said Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski: "Eddie's system fits us perfectly with the talent we have in this organization."
Jordan talked a lot about "interchangeable parts." "It's team basketball, enhances players that are not great scorers and makes great scorers help teammates. It's just not about perimeter shooting. At the end of the possession or somewhere during the possession, you're looking for a quality shot."
Although Stefanski and Jordan have a previous relationship with the Nets, Stefanski said that their interaction prior to Tony DiLeo’s decision to not return was minimal. He said they saw each other at games, texted each other and had a few phone calls.
“This was not that Eddie Jordan was going to be the coach and nobody else,” Stefanski said. “I told Eddie and all qualified candidates that this was going to be a process.”
Stefanski added that he was “very comfortable” with the selection process, despite assertions from some quarters that he went too slowly and others that he went too quickly. “I can’t make everybody happy,” he said.
Stefanski said what “sealed the deal” was Jordan’s second interview, which included more than 4 hours of “chalk talk.”
“We came away wowed,” Stefanski said. “This is the guy for us. He fits our need as a leader from a communication standpoint. He fits our need as an X and O guy and the development of young players. We are thrilled to have Eddie Jordan as the coach of the 76ers.”
Asked about his philosophy, Jordan said, “Stay organized offensively for 24, 48, 82. Stay organized through the offense for 24 seconds, 48 minutes, 82 games. You manage a game through the offense. Defense is a big key. This team is built through defensive players already. The offense will only help them.”
In terms of a learning curve, Jordan said, “It is very easy to learn. It’s harder to coach. That’s why Ed is paying me the money he is paying me.
“It’s basketball … There are so many parts that it’s consistent. I’ve had teams and tremendous players that once they are in the offense and once they understand it they don’t want to go back to a typical standaround NBA offense. There are going to be some frustration in it because I like to see it really pop and be in sync. I will demand that. I may push them a little bit harder, a little faster. If you are a basketball player with basketball IQ, you will learn.”
After two years of the Sixers making the playoffs and losing in the first round, Jordan said the team was "ready to take the next step" and vowed that this team would "play harder, smarter and longer than our opponents."
Look for full coverage of Eddie Jordan's hiring in Tuesday's Daily News.
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All the negative fraud fans just pack up and move, u obviously are not paying attention to the sixers anyway. If you were you would know Dalembert's contract expires soon as well as willie green's. Stop listening to what 610 is saying and get off your butts and go to a game before u criticize what stefanski is trying to build in south philly. We were the freaking 6th seed in the playoffs. You guys are still in love with Mo Cheeks becuz of what he did in 83. Nice Job Mo, ok now get me a coach who can get some spacing on the floor and hold players accountable on the floor.Hopefully thats Eddie Jordan give the guy a fair shot, a REAL fan would— mrswag
He is one creepy looking brutha- 5isaKing...who cares about you?— stefanskimakesmesick
- This guys is really, really ugly looking.— EnoughAlready
- Dalembert has 2 more years mrswag. You should stop doing whatever you are doing. Real fans know this team is garbage. Wake up already. I love being the fan that watches all 82 games every season only to see one round and done— stefanskimakesmesick
- Why was Willie Green at the presser? Nice kid and all but now that Greg Lewis is gone, he moves to top of the list as "next player that needs to be on the next bus out of town". Can't believe B. King was going to give him 20 million + just before Willie tore his knee up. Don't feel too bad for Willie, B. King hooked him up w/a nice little 11 million + until 2011.— DennyP
- GO PHILLIES— Phillies08
- What the hell has Jason Smith ever done? He was just ok at best during his rookie year. Then last year, the writers (i.e. PJas), made it out like we were losing a 15 points, 10 rebound guy. If we are banking on Smith to be a key part, we are in worse shape than any of us believe.— wingslax35
- Wow!!!!! I hope some of these posts are intended to be jokes. Brand to have an MVP caliber season? That would be his first. Brand to play center (at 6"8")? Call me a cynic, but when Brand actually plays, the team's he has played for have a sub .400 winning percentage over the course of his career. Professional sports is about talent. Stan Van Gundy has a team in the Finals! SpongeBobSquarePants could be the coach and it wouldn't matter.— bailey1
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- YAAAAWWNNNN!!! Wake me when the Sixers get some players that can help this team win.— smw1021
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- Give the guy a chance.. I don't think it can get worse..— gallen024
- Being a big sixers fan I'm not happy or surprised that Jordan is the new coach. His team was 1-10 last year when he was fired, & the man gets another job & Ed S. is trying to sell him as the perfect fit??! Come on Ed - his record is not very impressive - the Wizards had 3 All Stars & couldn't get out of the first round! Great hire.........— ChangeISNeeded
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.
