Nate McMillan
College: NC State
Playing career: Seattle (1986-1998)
Coaching career: Seattle, Portland, assistant for Team USA in 2008 and 2012 Olympics
Résumé: McMillan was a two-time all-defensive selection as a player and, as “Mr. Sonic,” had his number retired when his playing days ended in Seattle. As a coach for Seattle and Portland, McMillan compiled three 50-win seasons. However, in five trips to the playoffs, McMillan’s teams got past the first round just once.
Potential fit with Sixers
John Finger: A classy and dignified player and coach, McMillan has been well-respected and even revered in Seattle and Portland. He’s a tough, defensive-minded coach who has struggled to get some good teams out of the first round. However, McMillan isn’t crazy. His last coaching gig was with Team USA in the Olympics and the Sixers are hardly a dream team at this stage.
NBA
John Gonzalez: He’s a lot like Avery Johnson as a coach -- smart, defensive-minded, and tough. Which is why I don’t think he’d fit. These Sixers don’t seem to respond to tough love.
Dei Lynam: McMillan, like a number of the other candidates, had a nice NBA career playing 12 seasons after being a second round pick in 1986. He was one of the best defensive players during his NBA career, which philosophically meshes with Sam Hinkie and would make him a strong candidate. But McMillan will have options, given the number of openings around the league.