Since June 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers have been under the guidance of coach Nick Nurse.
Nurse, the 26th coach in the franchise’s history, is understandably keen to bring the good times back to Philadelphia’s beloved team. However, he might need to trawl back through the archives for additional inspiration.
Rightly so, Nurse has come under plenty of scrutiny during his time in charge. Understandably, fans demand success, and with players like Joel Embiid within their ranks, the Philadelphia 76ers should be doing better. Currently +3000 to be Finals winners according to the NBA odds of today, there is work to be done to improve the team’s fortunes ahead of the new season. Hopefully, Embiid will also be ready for the new campaign, with recent reports suggesting he’s on track.
Meanwhile, Nick Nurse will be aiming to uncover a winning formula. Fresh blood is needed, while Nurse will surely be looking to learn from his mistakes in the previous campaign.
With some of the team’s former coaches delivering memorable moments for loyal 76ers supporters to cherish, we briefly highlight some of the franchise’s greatest ever coaches below.
Nick Nurse doesn’t quite warrant a place on the list, though. Yet.
Larry Brown
A coach many younger fans might struggle to remember, Larry Brown, was at the helm from 1997 to 2003. Brown cemented himself as a Hall of Fame coach after his exploits in the professional game and the college category, with his highlight in charge of the team undoubtedly coming when they made the 2001 NBA Finals.
Passionate fans from Philadelphia just wanted to see their team competing with the very best, and while they lost to the LA Lakers’ star-studded lineup, they gave it a good go under a coach who got the best out of his players. The formidable defence was a notable feature of Brown’s 76ers teams, meaning they were generally always a tough nut to crack during his time in charge of the franchise.
Jack Ramsay
Another coach Nick Nurse could potentially learn from, Jack Ramsay, will be fondly remembered by more senior fans of the team. From 1969 to 1972, Ramsay’s 76ers were a dangerous proposition, making the playoffs three times while he was coach.
He eventually led the Portland Trail Blazers to the 1977 NBA title, highlighting just how much of a special coach he was.
Jim Lynam
In charge of the team for five seasons, the 76ers made the playoffs on three occasions under Jim Lynam’s methods.
Lynam’s record with the team was 194-17, while he also managed to bring home the Atlantic Division title in the 1989-1990 campaign.
Billy Cunningham
When assessing some of the most iconic coaches the team has had in its history, none come close to Billy Cunningham. Taking charge of the team from 1977 to 1985, the likable figure was a former player with an affinity for the 76ers. Ultimately, his passion shone through, leading the team to more victories than any other coach and recording an impressive record of 454-196. Stellar showings were a regular occurrence, the players wanted to play for Cunningham, and three NBA Finals appearances under his tutelage suggested the team was well and truly up there with the best of them. Take note, Nick Nurse.
Maurice Cheeks
An experienced coach who knows the sport inside out, Maurice Cheeks isn’t the best coach the team has ever had, but 76ers fans have had to endure far worse periods.
Cheeks oversaw a 2008 playoff appearance.
The post Remembering Some of the Philadelphia 76ERS’ Greatest Ever Coaches appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.