Philadelphia 76ers are hiring Daryl Morey as president of basketball operations
Former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is finalizing a five-year deal to become the Philadelphia 76ers’ new president of basketball operations ‘as soon as this weekend.’ Current general manager Elton Brand is expected to remain in his current position under Morey.
According to ESPN, new Sixers head coach Doc Rivers is an advocate of the hiring as Morey and Rivers have a long history and strong relationship. Morey, who served as GM for the Rockets for thirteen years, stepped down two weeks ago, citing personal reasons. Within hours of him parting ways, Sixers ownership was in pursuit, culminating in an NYC dinner on October 18th in hopes to upgrade its front office.
Morey pioneered the analytic movement in the NBA, leading the Rockets to 10 playoff appearances in his thirteen seasons as GM. Morey is no secret to front office splashes as he built several contending teams during his time in Houston including the pairings of Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and most recently James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
The Sixers and Morey have had some history together as he turned down a chance to run the team two years ago before signing an extension with the Rockets. Morey’s Sixers roots go even further as his former assistant in Houston was none other than Sam Hinkie, the architect of the Process.
Now with the Sixers, it’ll be interesting to see how Morey works with a roster that already features two all-stars in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
