The Philadelphia 76ers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals just days ago, but they’re already shaking things up in a big way.
The Sixers are moving on from president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, who was in his role with the franchise for the past six seasons. During that time, the Sixers failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs.
Morey had some highlights during his tenure with the team, including drafting both star guards Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe. However, he also saddled the team with a couple of albatross contracts for Joel Embiid and Paul George and failed to build a roster with enough depth to truly contend.
As a result, the Sixers will now be looking for a fresh perspective in the front office. Their search for Morey’s successor will be led by Bob Myers, who currently serves as the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Myers was the front office architect behind the Golden State Warriors‘ recent dynastical run.
Nick Nurse to Remain Head coach of Philadelphia 76ers Despite Dismissal of Daryl Morey
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Houston Rockets in overtime at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rockets defeated the 76ers 122-115 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The major shakeup in Philadelphia won’t extend from the front office to the sideline, however.
Despite the dismissal of the man who hired him, Nick Nurse will remain in his role as head coach of the Sixers moving forward, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Nurse has been in the role for three seasons, and he’ll get one more crack at it, at least.
It’s somewhat of an unorthodox move to fire the president of basketball operations and keep the head coach, as you’d think that Morey’s successor would probably like the opportunity to hand-pick his own coach. However, the organization is obviously high enough on Nurse to give him the benefit of the doubt given the fact that his teams in Philadelphia have been consistently hampered by injury issues.
The most likely scenario is that Nurse will get a one-year trial run under a new front office executive next season. If things go well, then he’ll likely stick around. If not, then the yet-to-be-named executive will look to bring in his own guy.
It will be interesting to see how long the search for a new executive takes for Philadelphia, as some major personnel decisions will need to be made in the near future with the 2026 NBA Draft and free agency on the horizon. You would think that the organization would like to have a new guy in place to make those major decisions, but if not, Myers is certainly qualified to do so.
Philadelphia 76ers Make Final Decision on Nick Nurse’s Future With the Franchise