The most recent glory days of Philadelphia professional basketball date back to the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. They were star-studded teams with nightly highlight-reel athleticism and lots of pure basketball talent.
Andrew Toney could have been an all-time great if not for mysterious foot injuries that derailed him from a place among the NBA greatest clutch shooters.
Mo Cheeks was the ultimate point guard with superb distribution skills and no need to score, although the West Texas State alum could consistently stick an elbow jumper as the shot clock wound down.
Julius “Dr. J.” Erving took over for Connie Hawkins and Elgin Baylor as NBA swing forwards who could handle the ball well enough to go coast-to-coast for flash-bulb popping aerial displays. The man with the large Afro wasn’t a fantastic shooter or defender but he had the flash before well ahead of Kobe or Lebron.
Moses Malone worked harder than anyone in controlling loose balls off the rim. He was a fearless and relentless rebounder who would occasionally throw up an errant lay-up just to grab another rebound and put-back basket. The ill-fated Malone trade sent the organization into a prolonged downward spiral.
Bobby Jones was the shut down corner of pro basketball. He used his 6-9 frame, long arms and constant hustle to stop the opposing team’s best forward. Jones could run the wing and finish fast breaks with smooth dunks and always made a point to acknowledge the passer as he hastily returned to the defensive zone. He was a consummate professional who’s never been replaced on any Sixer roster since.
While somewhat disappointing, George McGinnis made an impact with his weight-lifter body and big name ABA background, particularly before Erving arrived.
Role players like Caldwell Jones, Lloyd (who later became World B.) Free and Joe “Jellybean” Bryant who later fathered a famous son, ignited the great Sixer teams off the bench.
The names go on and on. There was none better than Wilt, but that’s a bit deeper into the past and a story unto itself.
My favorite Sixer remains Doug Collins. He’s the best player they ever drafted when he came out as the number one overall selection following the dreadful 9-72 season 1972-73.
The Illinois State alum was a slasher who gave all he had on every play. He was best at moving without the ball. He could stick the jump shot and penetrate for lay-ups or assists.
Collins played eight seasons in Philadelphia before his injury-ravaged body succumbed to the pain and suffering. He was healthy for four of those years and each time he wore an Eastern Conference all-star jersey.
He went back to school for his degree at none other than Glassboro State College where an aspiring journalist met with him in the school’s student newspaper office for a student newspaper exclusive. He was patient and cordial and answered every question before wishing the kid well.
That experience only grew my admiration for Collins because to this day I’ve seldom given two cents about professional athletes outside of the arenas and fields where they compete. I have no interest in autographs or sweaty batting gloves worn by the home run champ or whatever.
But Collins remains an exception. His analysis on televised games is akin to symphony music for my ears. His insight is educational and entertaining for anyone who cares about the pro game or wants to learn more.
And while he’s had only modest success in coaching stops with Chicago, Detroit and Washington, Collins knows the game, understands the modern player and has seen enough successful teams to know how the process can be achieved. He’s an NBA insider and that counts for something significant
I don’t have a vote but Collins would be my choice to coach the 76ers. Realistically, I doubt he will get the job. The team reportedly remains interested in travelin’ man Larry Brown. If not Brown, there are other big names out there.
You often hear the venerable Brown lament the kids don’t play “the right way.” Anyone who saw Collins knows he indeed did that and his coaching style would undoubtedly include lessons in all-out hustle and dedication to team.
But selecting Collins would make following the team much more bearable. I’d even suffer through the post-game show to wait for Collins’ press conference telecast. And that’s saying something.
Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
