Brett Brown's Future Decided, 76ers Focused On Offseason Plans

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown was expected to be the first casualty after his team was knocked out by the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. But the 57-year-old veteran coach has survived the cull after managing partner Josh Harris told ESPN that Brown would remain at the helm next season.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the decision was made after a lengthy meeting between Brown, Harris and general manager Elton Brand. The meeting eliminated any doubt about the head coach’s future, but it was centered on the team’s plans for the offseason.

Brown will return for his seventh season with the 76ers and the head coach had the support of key player Joel Embiid, who was ready to accept all the blame for his team’s exit from the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Raptors. It was the second consecutive season that the franchise was knocked out in the second round of the series.

"I don't think he should have anything to worry about," Embiid said. "He's an amazing coach, a better person, and obviously I've got a lot of love for him. If there is someone to blame, put it all on me."

The NBA Draft combine will get underway in Chicago this week and the 76ers management will be present to prepare for the draft to be held in June. They will be meeting and interviewing potential candidates, but their main focus will be on retaining key players entering free agency.

The Sixers have some big decisions to make, especially with Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris becoming free agents July 1. Both the players have had good campaigns and are certain to attract attention from other franchises.

Brown will be owed $15 million by the 76ers as part of a contract extension set to start next season. Managing partner Harris was said to be keen to end any speculation with regards to the head coach’s future, especially, with many insiders claiming he would leave after yet another disappointing exit from the playoffs.