Their record is displayed in the standings, not on the Sixers' practice court. Inside the practice facility, head coach Brett Brown doesn't see anything about wins and losses.
Following practice on Wednesday, Brown praised the team's efforts as the Sixers look to continue their momentum after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. He recounted a conversation he had with Elton Brand, who participated in his first practice since joining the team this week (see story).
"I said, 'If you walked into this gym it's quite amazing, isn't it, to see the number of wins versus number of losses that we have,'" Brown said. "This is no 4-and-33 gym. It ain't even close.
"These guys are great. You look at the practice we just had and we've come off a few wins. There have been some days you say uh oh, but almost all of the times that we've spent with these guys have been pretty good despite our record. So that's not going to happen on a veteran team that's 4-and-this record. They're young, they forget quick — that's a good thing — and [Brand] looks and sees what I see. It's a highly-spirited, competitive group that are good guys and they do care and I enjoy coaching them. I like it a lot better when we're winning, but I do enjoy coaching this group."
The Sixers are 3-3 over their last six games after starting the season 1-30. The most obvious improvement has been the acquisition of Ish Smith, who gives them a dependable point guard. Richaun Holmes has been growing over his rookie year, and Brown also noted the development of Jerami Grant and Hollis Thompson.
Brown also gave his players credit for sticking with the team in spite of changes in playing time. Jahlil Okafor did not play in the fourth quarter against the Timberwolves and Kendall Marshall is no longer the starting point guard.
"There are lots of examples that you can say, 'Maybe this does validate the things that we've been talking about as far as the process goes,'" Brown said. "It's a lot easier, a lot clearer for us all to see it when you win. I've always felt, most times, not always, most times I've felt confident that we're doing everything that we should be doing to truly try to grow the program. It's easier for me to say that now after we've had some wins."
NBA
The Sixers face a tough upcoming homestand that includes three games in four nights against the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Whatever the outcomes may be, Brown believes the record in the standings does not portray the attitude of the team.