We've got to get our fans back. We've got to start winning and

In the words of Doug Collins, "We've got to get our fans back. We've got to start winning and get our fans excited about the 76ers again... We're selling hope. This is about hope. We have hope that we have a chance to be good," we are reminded of the timeless truth that in the world of sports, as in life, hope is often the most powerful force that drives us forward. Hope is the thread that weaves through the fabric of our dreams, the spark that reignites our passion, and the reason we persevere in the face of adversity. Doug Collins' words speak to a deep, universal need—a desire to revive belief, not only in a team but in the potential for greatness, even after seasons of hardship.

Hope is not something tangible; it cannot be seen or touched. It is a feeling, an emotional anchor, and in times of struggle, it is the lifeline that connects us to something greater than ourselves. The 76ers, once a mighty team with a rich history, found themselves in a time of uncertainty. Their fans, once fervent and loyal, began to fade, their hearts weary from seasons of defeat. But Collins’ call to action was not simply about winning games; it was about restoring that feeling of excitement, the hope that someday, victory would come again. Hope is often more than just a dream; it is a force that compels action, that calls us to try again when all seems lost.

Consider the story of Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, separated from his family and his people, enduring unimaginable hardship. Yet, during those long years, his heart remained filled with hope—hope that one day his country would be free, that justice would prevail. When he was finally released, his hope transformed into action, and he became the symbol of reconciliation and leadership that led South Africa through its most difficult days. Just as Mandela’s hope sparked a revolution, so too does the hope that Doug Collins speaks of hold the power to revitalize the spirit of a team and its supporters. It is the very essence of renewal—the belief that the future can be better than the past, and that greatness can still be achieved.

But hope alone is not enough. Collins recognized this profound truth: hope must be paired with action. For the 76ers to earn back the support of their fans, they must show that they can win again. It is not enough to speak of hope; the team must embody it through their performance on the court. This is the lesson of perseverance—that hope must be sustained by effort, by dedication, and by the grit to face adversity head-on. Collins understood that the journey to restoring the team’s greatness was not going to be easy; it would require hard work, strategy, and a commitment to excellence. In many ways, his words reflect the ancient wisdom of Aristotle, who taught that “hope is the dream of a waking man”—that hope, when grounded in action, becomes a powerful force for change.

It is through the small victories, the incremental successes that build upon each other, that hope begins to grow. Just as a single spark can ignite a great fire, so too can a single win rejuvenate a team, rekindling the passion of the fans and inspiring belief in what is possible. The journey of the 76ers, though long and difficult, is ultimately about restoring faith—faith in themselves, in each other, and in the collective power of their supporters. When a community believes in something greater than themselves, they become an unstoppable force. The role of leadership in this process cannot be overstated—just as Doug Collins took responsibility for the task of reviving the team, so too must we take responsibility for our own lives, inspiring hope and action in the people around us.

This lesson is not just for sports teams, but for all of us who seek to overcome challenges in our own lives. Whether it’s rebuilding a business, recovering from loss, or simply striving to become a better version of ourselves, hope is the foundation upon which we must build. But it is not enough to simply dream; we must act upon that hope, laying the groundwork for success with every step we take. Let Collins’ words remind us that hope is not passive; it is a living, breathing force that calls us to action, that drives us forward even when the path is uncertain. It is the heart of perseverance, the fuel for resilience, and the light in the darkest of times.

In the end, Doug Collins’ words encapsulate the spirit of revival—not just for a team, but for the human spirit itself. We are all in the business of selling hope—whether to ourselves or to others. And just as the 76ers sought to reignite the passion of their fans, so too must we reignite our own passions, believing that despite our struggles, victory is within reach. Let us take this lesson into our own lives, with hope as our guide, and action as our path forward.