HOUSTON, TX – JULY 13: Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey listens as Dwight Howard is officially introduced as a Houston Rocket during a press conference on July 13, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
The 76ers are reportedly planning to hire former Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.
The Philadelphia 76ers have employed several philosophies over the past decade. First, it was taking on a true tank job and acquiring young talent with Sam Hinkie in charge. Then the organization wanted to win and hired Jerry Colangelo. Drama ensued with his son, Bryan, and eventually, Elton Brand was brought in to make basketball decisions.
Now the organization is getting back to its Hinkie roots by reportedly being close on a deal with former Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey. A Wednesday Woj bomb revealed the development.
Daryl Morey close to running the 76ers
This is an interesting hire considering how Morey is so well-versed in analytics and data-based decision-making. The 76ers got away from that philosophy and early postseason exits ensued.
Morey also ran a successful operation in Houston. His Rockets team could never reach the Finals but did make the postseason every year since 2013. He instilled a fast-paced brand of basketball with Mike D’Antoni as the head coach and helped revolutionize the game with James Harden as the star. Morey already has a good relationship with new 76ers head coach Doc Rivers.
The stage is now set for the 76ers to take that next step. Brand keeping his job at GM establishes a proper power structure from Morey down to Rivers on the bench. This is a team that has not been past the conference semis since reaching the NBA Finals in 2001.
Morey found a way to make big personalities work together in Houston, at least most of the time. He will not try to do the same in Philadelphia and finish what Hinkie started with the analytics-driven approach to building a winner.