Philadelphia 76ers fire coach Brett Brown after loss to Boston Celtics, fans say he was 'used as a scapegoat'
It was an expected and debated piece of news after the Philadelphia 76ers were swept by the Boston Celtics on Sunday, August 23, in the NBA Playoffs— Coach Brett Brown was fired, according to an ESPN report on Monday, August 24. The site also added that there are more changes ringing in that also include changing the front office structure. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, the franchise's star players are looking to be kept together and the Sixers are on the hunt for a new coach.
ESPN reported that the brand met with Brown on Sunday night and went through the exit interview process with players before traveling back to Philadelphia. While this was the Sixers' third playoff run under Brown, injuries hampered their chances of moving forward. Twitter on its part had enough points to share about Brown's exit from the side. For some, he was made a scapegoat. "Fantastic guy. One of my favorite coaches of all-time in Philadelphia. Not a great fit for the roster. Used as a scapegoat for an awful, awful front office," a fan wrote.
Fantastic guy. One of my favorite coaches of all time in Philadelphia. Not a great fit for the roster. Used as a scapegoat for an awful, awful front office.
— Caleb (@caaleeeb) August 24, 2020
"Brett has his flaws but this is a management/personnel issue. Elton is at more of a fault than Brett. Joel Embiid alone should get you 1 playoff win. The guy turns the ball over on crucial possessions non-stop and has been for years. You let Jimmy & JJ go & have Tobias a max deal," one of the fans opined.
Brett has his flaws but this is a management/personnel issue. Elton is at more of a fault than Brett. Joel Embiid alone should get you 1 playoff win. The guy turns the ball over on crucial possessions non-stop and has been for years. You let Jimmy & JJ go & have Tobias a max deal
— NandoVargas (@NandoVargas11) August 24, 2020
"The Sixers made bad management decisions so they used their coach as a scapegoat," read one of the tweets.
The Sixers made bad management decisions so they used their coach as a scapegoat
— Bille (@Bilaal10) August 24, 2020
There was some credit that came in. "Good luck Brett Brown you Coached us thru 4 years of tanking and made the best of it and didn’t complain but change was needed. You’re a good person and I have no doubt that you will land on your feet and get hired within the NBA again #PhilaUnite" a fan remarked.
Good luck Brett Brown you Coached us thru 4 years of tanking and made the best of it and didn’t complain but change was needed. You’re a good person and I have no doubt that you will land on your feet and get hired within the NBA again #PhilaUnite
— Kevin Shell (@shellone2010) August 24, 2020
In the statement, the brand said, "I have a tremendous level of respect for Brett both personally and professionally and appreciate all he's done for the 76ers organization and the City of Philadelphia. He did many positive things during his time here, developing young talent and helping position our team for three straight postseason appearances.
"Unfortunately, we fell well short of our goals this year and I believe it is best to go in a new direction. This will be an important offseason for us as we look to get back on track towards our goal of competing for an NBA championship." According to ESPN's sources, Los Angeles Clippers Assistant Coach, Ty Lue is looked at by the Sixers to fill in the position.