The NBA lockout is nearly three months old, but that hasnt stopped Doug Collins from filling the Sixers vacant assistant coaching position, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Trades and free-agent signings are prohibited during the lockout, but coaching staffs can come together and changeas many have already done this off-season. The Sixers, who have selected Jeff Capel II to fill the spot left open by the departure of assistant coach Quin Snyder, are the latest to add to their coaching staff.
The 58-year-old Capel, who met with Collins in early September, has experience as a head coach at the college level as well as the the NBA D-league level, and was a former assistant coach with the Charlotte Bobcats.
Like Collins, Capel has a son on Dukes coaching staff.
In his one season with the sixers, Snyder spent a lot of time helping players develop via work on the court and studying film (hes departed for the L.A. Lakers). It is unclear whether Capel will have similar responsibilities.
Training camp was to begin Monday, but has been postponed at least until Oct. 16. One NBA player said Wednesday morning that it was his understanding representatives for the players and owners were to meet Wednesday and then again on Monday, though many reports have talks picking up again on Friday. It is clear that the sides are talking.
E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com