As the Sixers do their best impression of the Hindenburg, the question arises do the Sixers bring back Tony DiLeo? Does he even want to come back?
This topic seems to be getting more and more attention. DiLeo was an unlikely replacement of Maurice Cheeks, and I find it even more unlikely that he’ll be back next season. The guy has been with the organization since 1990 holding a variety of titles. Never once did you hear his name ever mentioned when the Sixers or any other team needed a new head man.
Now I am not saying DiLeo has done a bad job but he is basically coaching the same team that Maurice Cheeks led to the playoffs. So if Tony does the same is the season a success? Does it warrant a contract for him?
Simply, no.
While Cheeks was head coach it was hard to figure out exactly what his strategy was. You never knew under Cheeks which Sixer team would show up from night to night. And I see the same thing from DiLeo, curious substitutions and stubbornness that would rival a Philadelphia Eagles game plan.
You can throw all the records nonsense out the window. Way to many factors are left out when you only look at the numbers. Cheeks coming into the season had some heavy expectations on his shoulders. Then right out of the gate Elton Brand was not fitting in. When DiLeo replaced Cheeks he had little if any expectations and Brand was injured and out for the year days later.
DiLeo can be an important part of this organization and if a new Head Coach is hired he would be foolish not to keep him aboard. DiLeo just doesn’t belong patrolling the side lines. He seems to be a better judge of talent not a leader of it. In the end I think the Sixers would be better off bringing in someone with NBA Head Coaching experience. One that can sort out the mediocre mess that has become the Sixers.
-Mike Santa Barbara
