The Sixers’ season ended at the hands of Kawhi Leonard on Sunday night as their comeback effort in Game 7 was thwarted by Leonard’s instantly iconic buzzer-beater.
Going into the game, there were rumors that coach Brett Brown’s job was very much in jeopardy if the Sixers suffered a second straight second round exit from the playoffs, including one that suggested he needed a Finals run to stay in Philly. After the game, Joel Embiid offered a strong backing for his coach, calling rumors he’d be let go “bullsh*t” and Brown received the praises of other players in exit interviews as well.
Late on Monday night, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed with Sixers ownership that Embiid was indeed correct in striking down rumors about Brown’s job security, and the coach that’s guided them through The Process will indeed be back for another season in 2019-20.
Brett Brown will return as the Philadelphia 76ers coach next season, managing partner Josh Harris told ESPN on Monday night. Harris, Brown and GM Elton Brand met today to discuss offseason priorities, including draft and free agency.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 14, 2019
One has to wonder whether there was a change of heart from atop the organization given the way the players seemed to take up for Brown, but whatever the case, he’ll be back. The Sixers enter a crucial summer with major questions looming about potential roster changes, from the looming free agency of Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler, as well as whispers about whether it’s time for them to move Ben Simmons for a better fit with Joel Embiid.
Whatever the roster looks like next year, Brett Brown will be at the helm, but the pressure will be high to push Philadelphia to the conference finals or beyond.
