Monica McNutt slams “knee-jerk reaction that wasn’t well thought out” in First Take cameo
FIRST Take guest Monica McNutt slams the Philadelphia Sixers’ latest front office decision.
The 33-year-old ESPN analyst believes the Sixers didn’t thoroughly consider the decision to fire head coach Doc Rivers, calling it a “knee-jerk reaction.”
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Stephen A. Smith and 39-year-old Molly Qerim were absent from the popular ESPN sports talk show Thursday.
Monica represented the two along with Christine Williamson and former NBA player and analyst Jay Williams.
The group discussed Philadelphia’s decision to ditch Rivers after being eliminated in the second round by the Boston Celtics and whether that was a good idea.
Monica expressed concerns about the decisions, believing it was an overreaction.
“I think that was a knee-jerk reaction that wasn’t well thought out.”
She said the Sixers should have allowed more with James Harden’s decision to stay.
“I think you need to unfold a little more before you make the decision to let Doc go.”
“It sounds like it’s still not a guarantee that you can keep James Harden.”
She explained that it would be a terrible idea for the Sixers to try to please Harden at Embiid’s expense.
She also stressed that this was Philaephia’s best run and best chance of victory since Doc’s coaching.
“This year felt like this year was the closest and most complete this team has had in terms of being able to climb the proverbial hump.”
“Letting go of Doc felt very knee-jerk to me and is no guarantee Harden will stay.”
“I think that was a bad decision by the Sixers.”
The Sixers fired Rivers after three seasons with the franchise.
Boston defeated the Sixers 112-88 in game seven on Sunday after Philadelphia led the series 3-2 and a home game to wrap it up.
He had a 154-82 (.653) record with the team but was eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the third consecutive season.
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