The Philadelphia 76ers might be fully immersed in their bold tanking strategy to close out the season, but there’s still plenty of reason to assess the landscape and consider what opportunities the future might hold — especially in light of some recent, surprising developments.
With the playoffs fast approaching, another contender has shown its impatience. The Denver Nuggets — yes, the same team that won the championship not long ago — have just fired Michael Malone. That’s right, they made the move with just over a week until the postseason begins.
What makes this decision even more shocking is that it comes despite the cautionary tale offered by another playoff-caliber team, the Memphis Grizzlies, who demonstrated exactly what not to do heading into the playoffs. Now, the Nuggets — led by Nikola Jokic — must navigate the playoffs while also dealing with this unexpected coaching shake-up.
Given all this, and with a mindset of seizing opportunity, one has to wonder: did the 76ers just have their next head coach fall right into their lap?
Michael Malone could be the perfect coach to save the 76ers and Joel Embiid
The 76ers haven’t exactly hinted at moving on from Nick Nurse, despite a season that’s fallen far short of expectations. Still, the front office doesn’t need to wait for things to spiral further before making a decision on the veteran coach.
After all, if a legitimate contender like the Denver Nuggets can part ways with one of their most successful coaches just a week before the playoffs, what’s stopping Philadelphia from doing the same?
All jokes aside, Michael Malone would make a compelling replacement for Nurse, at least hypothetically. Like Nurse, Malone is a championship-winning coach, but he also brings a reputation for building sustainable success. Even more appealing, he’s worked extensively with a team centered around a dominant big man.
As Joel Embiid adjusts his game to fit the realities of an aging body, there may be no better guide than Malone — the coach who’s helped Nikola Jokic flourish into a streamlined, efficient superstar over the years.
Yes, it’s easy to get swept up in all the recent upheaval, but it’s hard to argue that the Sixers have strong reasons to stick with Nurse. With the front office unlikely to make sweeping roster changes anytime soon, a coaching change might be the most practical way to spark something new.