The Sixers Have a Michael Rubin Problem
You could see the Sixers dreadful, 31 point beatdown loss in Miami a mile away. The night before, pictures poured in of the whole crew enjoying the Super Bowl from Michael Rubin’s lavish box suite. Nothing wrong with a guys night out like that, we would all do the same given the opportunity to attend a Super Bowl!
But what ensued is what gets under everyone’s skin. The following night, the Heat trounced the Sixers as Philly slept walked through the game. They forced only 3 turnovers, Jimmy Butler scored 38, and the Sixers gave up the most points they’ve EVER given up to the Miami Heat. They looked lethargic and disinterested. It looked liked a team that was on vacation in Miami that weekend, not there to play a basketball game.
Too many times this year, this team has looked like they didn’t care or failed to show up for a game. They give off the vibe these games have no discernible interest to them. No one is lighting a fire under their ass but who would?! Brett, the players coach? Elton, the first year GM, who needs these guys to make it work so he can keep his job? The spineless majority owner, Josh Harris? And lastly, Michael Rubin, who would rather snap a pic for Instagram with the Sixers crew, than see them win a game?
Michael Rubin needs to figure out one thing before things get in too much of a downward spiral. You are not their friend, you are their boss.
Nobody, not a single fan cares that you, Michael, hang out with these players. Only one thing has ever cared to Philly fans, WINNING. Given this road trip and the events that have occurred, fans and players/ownership do not seem to have the same goal right now. Maybe their BOSS, should step up an say something.
Don’t let this blog lead you to believe every issue with this team lies at the feet of Michael Rubin. There’s much more blame to go around. Elton Brand built a flawed roster. Al Horford is at the center (no pun intended) of it all. They have no back-up point guard of note. Joel Embiid looks fed up and it looks like he can’t shoot with his cast. The list goes on, and they all need to look in the mirror, but no one with status who’s involved with that team is making them do that.
Maybe Michael Rubin does have the players best interest at heart. Maybe he’s the one who lights a fire under their ass behind the scenes. But, I doubt it given the optics of it all. And these guys just can’t seem to figure out how bad the optics look. The Super Bowl party. The TMZ shots on the beach with Kendall. All leading up to a third straight loss in blowout fashion. Every family has a fun parent. For the Sixers it seems to be Michael Rubin. And there’s no one around to tell the family when it’s time to quit goofing off and get their chores done.
Brett Brown is a players coach. Josh Harris is a spineless coward who’s just happy to own a team. Michael Rubin wants to be part of the crew. Everyone wants to be friends with the Sixers players, and no one wants to tell them to do their fucking job.