Nick Piccone
Yesterday, the new Sixers’ toy and special advisor, Jerry Colangelo, joined the Bickley and Marotta show on 98.7 FM in Arizona and talked about how the process of him joining the Sixers happened.
Colangelo’s first words: “It’ll be challenging.” Cool. However, the interview probably didn’t play out the way you might expect. He went on:
A week and a half ago, I didn’t have anything like that on my radar screen. Period … But when I get the call from the commissioner, and get a call from an owner asking and pleading for some help, you know, it kind of got my attention. And the more we spoke over a 36-hour period, because I was able to do it on my terms and conditions, predicated on my time availability, they made it very, very easy to say ‘yes’ and difficult to say ‘no.'”
One of the hosts then asked Colangelo what he thought about the Sixers’ plan.
I was aware of their game plan and I don’t like the word ‘tanking.’ I do say that over the years – in the sports that I’ve been involved – many, many teams in all sports strategically try to position themselves in the draft. They position themselves in terms of matchups going into the playoffs. So, none of this is new. But I will make this comment, and I think it’s something people overlook – 10 years ago, 20 years ago, the way we were able to operate in Phoenix when the rules were a little bit more loose, like free agency, you know our signing of Tom Chambers as the first unrestricted free agent, by way of example, uhm, the rules today are all kind of made for teams to be able to keep their players. There’s much less movement. So, when you look at trades as a possibility, or free agency, it’s a tough one. And the salary cap has put real restrictions on it.
So, having said all that, the one way to build a team is through the draft. And you need patience to do that. And everyone looks at Oklahoma City who drafted Durant, Westbrook and Harden back-to-back-to-back and became relevant. Well, the stars were aligned for them for three years in a row. The right players at the right time and they had the right picks. So, having said that, I was aware of their situation in Philly. I understand the rules of the game. I also know it’s a heck of a challenge, and I think you both know I’ve always been known for that.”
The host then feels the need to throw Philly fans under the bus, calling them ruthless, although that really didn’t have anything to do with the conversation. Colangelo says the reception he got in Philly was “off the charts” from fans and the media because they needed a breath of fresh air. He then said Hinkie was a bright, young guy and very analytical, but that the organization needed tweaks and that’s what he’s there to provide.
The host then asked him if there was any resistance from the Sixers to not bring Colangelo, or anyone from the outside, in.
I don’t have any specific information about that, but let’s be realistic about it. when you have an organization, and people in place, and then ownership decides to bring in someone – and, in my case, the reason they brought me in was because, they said, ‘gravitas reputation, relationships, track record’ all of those things – that could be threatening to some just because of that. Of course I believe one of my strengths is I can communicate with people and what I tried to do is get people to relax with my time among them over the last 48 hours.”
It kind of sort of sounds like Colangelo is on board with Hinkie’s ultimate plan. Maybe.
You can listen to audio of the interview here, starting around the 22-minute mark.