Recently, Six Rivers head coach Doc Rivers Rich Iron Show for an interview. Rivers was asked what are some of the factors that led him to decide to come to the franchise in the off-season. He mentions his close relationship with 76ers president Daryl Morey, and says it later to expand on his statement:
“So far, Daryl has done several transactions, and I said, ‘No, I do not want to do that,’ and he continues. This is the type of relationship you should have if you have a coach and management, I think it works that way. ‘
Some of the former Sixers front offices, led by the likes of Brian Colangelo or Elton Brand, were very outspoken in their belief in collaboration, and not just one figure made one last call. Though it may seem positive in nature, the whole ideal of cooperation is linked to the fact that the Sixers have made many mistakes in the past.
An example of collaborative efforts from the past that came short can be found with former Sixers vice president of player staff Marc Eversley. Eversley have been reportedly a big voice in the room for decisions in the past, such as the drafting of Markelle Fultz or the signing of Al Horford – both movements now regretted.
The Sixers now have a completely revamped front office, led by a talented basketball spirit in Daryl Morey. While things have certainly changed since some of these decisions, it’s a bit surprising to see the Sixers return so quickly to an open collaboration.
It is also noteworthy how much Doc Rivers has publicly praised the duo Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Rivers has hinted many times since arriving in Philly to coach both All-Stars. How much weight Doc Rivers ‘word carries in the Sixers’ front office can make the Sixers make a drastic decision through its noises.
This quote officially confirms that we can start firing the trading machines again at will. It’s no shock that Daryl Morey is shopping the NBA landscape to improve his roster; since becoming a basketball manager in the early 2010s, he has made numerous moves. The most important question that still needs to be answered is probably what type of move is he considering? Are we looking for a box office hit deal that could involve someone like Bradley Beal? Is it a subtle step to land the Sixers with a quality role player like PJ Tucker? It has yet to be seen.
According to its sound, it’s very likely that the current Sixers are not built this season as they are at the moment. The grid has a lot of holes in it, like their perimeter defense, and a lack of a quality big that can shoot, among other things. The NBA deadline is only set for March 25, so we’ll see what Daryl Morey has up his sleeve in the coming months.