Now that Palestra Back has dipped a toe into comparing HBO’s Sunday night shows to NBA story lines, we can’t help ourselves. While catching up on the always fantastic Silicon Valley this week, the similarities between that comedy and the recent organizational turmoil in the Philadelphia 76ers front office couldn’t be avoided. Let’s dive into some similarities. 

Season 3, Episode 1

After some disappointing decisions at the helm of Pied Piper, Richard Hendricks loses his spot as CEO. The controlling board members offer him a demotion to Chief Technology Officer. Despite everything, they insist they were not looking to push Richard away.

The board then hire an experienced old timer named Jack Barker to helm Pied Piper, after he and Richard  seemingly agree to common goals.

Which reminds me…

After a disappointing start to the NBA season, Sam Hinkie lost his spot atop the Sixers front office. The majority owners considered offering him a demotion to Head of Analytics. Despite everything, they insist they were not looking to push Hinkie away.

The owners then hired an experienced old timer named Jerry Colangelo to helm the Sixers, after he and Hinkie seemingly agreed to common goals.

Season 3, Episode 2

Barker’s strategy begins to veer from Richard’s, though he promises to never compromise the product they are creating. In contrast to that idea, he and the sales team move away from Richard’s plans.

Which reminds me…

Colangelo’s strategy appeared to veer from Hinkie’s, though he promised to never compromise the Process they have relied on. In contrast to that idea, he and Scott O’Neill began to move away from Hinkie’s plans.

Season 3, Episode 3

As Barker pushes Richard’s team to execute his idea, Richard and the boys have other ideas. Rather than do what’s easy, they strive to secretly do what is best for the company in the long term. They put together plans to execute their vision.

Which reminds me…

As Colangelo pushed Hinkie’s team to execute his ideas, Hinkie and the boys had other ideas. Rather that do what’s easy, they continued to strive for what was best for the team in the long term. They put together a trade to acquire Joel Anthony’s contract for a second round pick.

Season 3, Episode 4

Forced with carrying out Barker’s old fashioned plans, Richard’s team inadvertently finds themselves excited and does their best playing by his rules. Even with Richard seemingly going along with the plan, Barker gets sneaky. Debate sparks over the theoretical possibilities of Richard’s plan and Barker’s fast track to success. Ultimately, Jack’s desire to make Pied Piper profitable sooner rather than later causes a wedge between he and Richard that can not be mended.

Which reminds me…

Forced with carrying out Colangelo’s old fashioned plans, Hinkie’s team inadvertently finds themselves excited and does their best playing by his rules. Even with Hinkie seemingly going along with the plan, Colangelo gets sneaky. Debate sparks over the theoretical possibilities of Hinkie’s plan and Colangelo’s fast track to success.Ultimately, Jerry’s desire to win sooner rather than later causes a wedge between he and Hinkie that can not be mended.

**
OK, so it’s not perfect. And maybe I was vague here or there to make things work, but if Richard Hendricks writes a 13 page resignation letter this season, I’ll gladly say I told you so. 

I see you, Mike Judge.

I see you.

**

Header image, which is as dumb as it is poorly made, available here.

Shane McNichol is the founder, editor, and writer at PalestraBack.com. He has also contributed to SALTMoney.org, Rush The Court, ESPN.com, and USA Today Sports Weekly. Follow him on Twitter @OnTheShaneTrain. If you have any suggestions, tips, ideas, or questions, email them to palestraback@gmail.com.