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Warning: Woj bomb incoming.
Sixers are re-engaging on GM search, but managing partner Josh Harris doesn’t rule out existing front office structure for coming season. “We prefer to find an elite talent ... but we aren’t going to compromise,” Harris tells ESPN. https://t.co/8nI5xxASGq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 27, 2018
Our Philadelphia 76ers have decided to roll into the season with the current front office structure in place while managing partner Josh Harris continues to find a new general manager.
In the meantime, the Sixers will continue with head coach Brett Brown surrounded by Ned Cohen, Marc Eversley, and Elton Brand. Cohen and Eversley will continue to run the day-to-day operations with Brand in charge of the Delaware Blue Coats — the team’s G-League affiliate.
More front office movement includes Kevin Young staying on as an assistant coach shifting to the front of the bench with Monty Williams and Billy Lange. Jim O’Brien will be the new Senior Advisor to Head Coach Brett Brown.
Harris told ESPN that the Sixers “prefer to find someone, but don’t want to feel forced into compromising”. (You know ... the kind of compromising that led to this sticky situation in the first place after the team compromised with the NBA to force Sam Hinkie out in place of Bryan Colangelo who left the team earlier this summer — which is a popular opinion among some in Sixers nation.)
Yes, that kind of compromising.
As of right now, Brett Brown is one of a handful of head coaches in the league that also has the title of general manager. The best case scenario (even if just for one year) is Gregg Popovich. (Yes, RC Buford is the general manager, but Pop runs the show, there.) The worst case scenario would be Tom Thibadeau in Minnesota (nice decision, guys). Doc Rivers had a similar position with the Los Angeles Clippers, but he gave up basketball operations duties last year. Of course, Stan van Gundy was fired by the Detroit Pistons.
The team of Brown, Eversley, and Cohen traded Villanova guard Mikal Bridges on draft night for Zhaire Smith and a 2021 unprotected first round pick from the Miami Heat, but that’s been it. (Trading for Wilson Chandler was more of a spark than the full-blown blaze that would’ve occurred had the team signed Lebron James or Paul George.)
Holding firm may not have been the worst idea for a team that won 52 games last year without their first round pick from the year before (Markelle Fultz). Some folks (fans and media) have been impatient with the team’s thumb twiddling over a GM search, but after the team screwed up so royal with Colangelo, be happy they’re going about this the correct way.
Trust the search.
Trust the Process.