Brown excited about young Sixers

Brett Brown met with area reporters Wednesday to discuss his young Sixers.
Paige Ozaroski/Metro

Brett Brown knows it’s going to be a long road to get where he wants to get the Sixers. He’s in for what could be a historically bad season. That’s OK. The new coach is looking at the bigger picture. And, he likes what he sees from a talent standpoint.

“We are going to come into a gym and find some way to find a passion for the game again, enjoy playing the game again,” Brown said. “That comes from putting in the time and people putting you on the right road map and telling you the truth about what is going on.”

On paper, the Sixers are one of the youngest teams in the NBA. Thaddeus Young, 25, in his seventh season, is the longest-tenured player on the roster. Young leads a trio of what young guys forced into veteran roles, guys like 24-year-old Evan Turner and 25-year-old Spencer Hawes. Still, Brown likes what he sees.

“The thing that has impressed me the most is how curious they are about what I think about something,” Brown said.

But, before getting into all the X’s and O’s and whatnot, Brown needs to fill out his coaching staff. He has one spot left open after hiring four assistants over the past few weeks, most notably Villanova’s Billy Lange.

“It is going to be about teaching and relationships and energy more than NBA wisdom,” Brown said. “I respect NBA wisdom, but at this stage what is most important for us is development.”