The Philadelphia 76ers parted ways with head coach Doc Rivers on May 16. Rivers had been in charge at the Wells Fargo Center for three seasons and was well-liked by many players. However, he also failed to get the Sixers past the second round of the playoffs every season, despite improving in wins year after year. After the blowout loss to Boston that ended the Sixers’ season, Rivers fell to 16-33 in Game 7 scenarios.
The departure came as a shock to many members of the Sixers organization, especially MVP Joel Embiid. Embiid had an incredibly close relationship with Rivers and was not aware that the coach would not be returning next season. However, it appears that is the exact culture GM Daryl Morey is attempting to build in Philly.
Morey Says Coaching Search Will Be “Careful”
Conducting his exit interview before the offseason, Morey spoke at length about the search for a new head coach. The Sixers are expected to speak with Mike Budenholzer, Nick Nurse, and Frank Vogel amongst a number of other candidates. Other local media has also proposed a number of other candidates. Philly Inquirer columnist Mike Jensen argued that the Sixers should speak with University of South Carolina women’s head coach, and Philly native, Dawn Staley. The Sixers join the Bucks, Pistons, Raptors, and Rockets in hunting for a new head coach.
However, Morey warned the assembled media that a decision will not come soon. “We’re taking a careful process with the coach,” Morey said Wednesday. “We do not think it will move quickly. We have to be careful with the process word but it is true.” Despite this, Morey was also very firm that the decision would be made by the front office, not the players. “It’s my job to help convince him the new coach is someone he’ll have a great relationship with, as well,” Morey said of Embiid. Furthermore, Morey was confident in his ability to lead the Sixers to that ever-elusive title. “Frankly, I feel like I’m the best guy to lead the 76ers and ownership believes that,” he said. Who do you think the Sixers should hire? Let us know in the comments.
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