The Philadelphia 76ers are in quite a hole and need to fix things at the top. Most know that Philly needs a new head coach but it appears that is not the only position they intend to fill. Reports are coming in that the Sixers are also looking for a new head of basketball operations to lead the team in the right direction.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Sixers are looking for a new guy to succeed in the post previously held by Bryan Colangelo. Colangelo resigned in June 2018 following a social media scandal. Brown held the position on an interim basis and Elton Brand was elevated to the position. Two years later, the moves failed to guide the Sixers towards the right direction and change is forthcoming.
Several names are being mentioned to fill the post. That includes Neil Olshey of the Portland Trail Blazers, former Atlanta Hawks prexy Danny Ferry and Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. Kevin Pritchard of the Indiana Pacers was also mentioned. However, a source believes that none of these guys may be interested in the position.
One thing worth noting about the names mentioned is that all these are established individuals. They will seek demands, including their preferred coach to call the shots. Brand had his chance but it seems apparent that his tenure did not work to Philly’s advantage.
Update: According to @ShamsCharania, #Sixers #76ers remain committed to hiring people under general manger Elton Brand, who is leading the head coaching search and is well-respected by agents and executives around the league. https://t.co/dyrbjMhzgn — Kyle Cohen (@kylecohenNBA) September 21, 2020
That said, the new head coach of the Sixers may only be known once (and if) this position is filled. It makes no sense to instill a coach before the president of basketball operations. That person is likely to have his work cut out for him, not to mention be relieved if his performance does not pan out.
The Sixers are just one of the multiple teams in need of a new head coach. There are a lot of names in the market right now with NBA teams parting with their previous coaches or serving in some capacity with other teams. The list includes Kenny Atkinson, Jeff Van Gundy, Billy Donovan, Alvin Gentry, Mike D’Antoni and Tyronn Lue.
But before that, the Sixers need to do their homework. It is not as simple as getting a successful coach. This is a team oozing with young talent but has failed to get off the ground. There are murmurs of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid being traded but a new coach, once named, is likely to keep them first before considering a trade.
