ESPN is reporting that the Sixers have hired Eddie Jordan
Eddie Jordan has been hired as the new coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.
NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com on Friday night that the Sixers have reached an agreement with Jordan, who along with Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey were the only candidates to be interviewed twice.
Jordan was fired by the Washington Wizards in November. The Wizards owe Jordan nearly $4 million next season and would have to pay the difference on the contract from Jordan’s new team.
Jordan is 230-288 in coaching stints with the Wizards and the Sacramento Kings.
The Sixers job has been open since Tony DiLeo stepped down on May 11 and returned to the front office.
The other known candidates were Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau and Sixers scout Chris Ford. The Sixers informed Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis this week he was no longer a candidate.
That’s incredibly disappointed news for the Sixers. Bad decision.
If I’m Sam Dalembert, I’m hugely worried about my playing time. He should be hoping that Phily finds a trade partner so he can move on with his career.
Update: The Sacramento Bee has some figures on Jordan’s contract — looks very low for a coach with his experience
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Jordan – who was the first to interview for the Kings’ job – signed a guaranteed three-year deal in which he will be paid $2 million in the first season, $3 million in the second and $3.1 million in the third. Jordan is owed $4 million from Washington for next season, but that amount will be offset by his new contract.
Dave,
What’s disappointing for you, and in your opinion the 76ers, about this hire?
Khandor,
I don’t rate Eddie Jordan as a Head Coach.
I haven’t seen anything from him in six plus years of coaching. I absolutely despised how he treated Brendan Haywood for all but the final year of his tenure in Washington, and hated the mixed message that sent to the squad about playing defense. They lack of discipline the squad played with was another black mark. I also didn’t like the lack of development in several of the Wizards young prospects, particularly the guys who weren’t 30 minute players, those guys showed very little development under Jordan. I have zero faith in him after the job he did in Washington.
I’d sum him up as a great assistant coach … but out of his depth as head coach.
I know you like him, what do you like about Eddie Jordan?
Edit: I disliked a good chunk of the candidates Phily were looking at. I would have liked to have seen a new face get an opportunity. Kurt Rambis (I think Triangle would be a good offense for that team) or Tom Thibodeau.
Dave,
It’s not really a case of “Me liking Eddie Jordan”, as a coach in the NBA.
What I like ABOUT Eddie Jordan, as a head coach with the Washington Wizards, is the way he was able to keep his team afloat, as a legitimate contender for a playoff spot each of the last few years in spite of a devastating series of injuries to key players on their team … with the notable exception of this year, when he was fired early in the regular season, unjustifiably, IMO.
What I’ve seen from EJ’s teams in Washington are such things as:
* Resourcefulness
* Determination
* Creativity
* Adaptability
* Stability
* The Sum of the Whole being greater than the Individual Parts
Those are attributes which will stand a coach in good stead in this league and allow his to succeed in at least a Minor Way.
Q1. Are there other coaches who I would hire ahead of Eddie Jordan to coach my team, if I’m an NBA owner?
A1. You bet there are.
However, Eddie Jordan would not be a poor choice, IMO; that’s all.
A nice extract from a Sports Illustrated piece on the Eddie Jordan signing
Two quick points:
(1) I like the way the Sixers figure to fit into Jordan’s Princeton offense. I think that will work well.
(2) My concerns about Jordan possible use of Sam Dalembert just jumped up a notch. Disgraceful handling of Brendan Haywood when Jordan was in Washington. I would be really nervous if was Sammy.
Phily are going to try hard to trade Dalembert but I’m doubtful about their ability to find a workable trade. I think it’s likely he’s back in a Sixers uniform next season.