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Bryan Colangelo’s time with Sixers might be coming to an end

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 24: General Manager Bryan Colangelo attends a press conference after the Philadelphia 76ers introduce Ben Simmons and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot from the 2016 NBA Draft on June 24, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 24: General Manager Bryan Colangelo attends a press conference after the Philadelphia 76ers introduce Ben Simmons and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot from the 2016 NBA Draft on June 24, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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According to Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowski, Bryan Colangelo’s tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers might be coming to an end.

In what was supposed to be a slow basketball week leading up to the Finals, the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves in the midst of an odd — and unprecedented — controversy.

A report from The Ringer tied GM Bryan Colangelo to five alleged burner accounts on Twitter, some of which criticized players and disclosed sensitive team information. The accounts also bashed Sam Hinkie constantly while defending Colangelo’s collars, because of course.

That kind of activity does seem reckless for an executive, which is why many have come to the conclusion that Colangelo wasn’t directly involved in the tweets. Still, some online sleuthing from Sixers Twitter has discovered that Colangleo’s wife, Barbara Bottini, might be behind the most active accounts.

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Even if the accounts were run by Bottini or another close associate of Colangelo, it’s difficult to justify keeping the two-time Executive of the Year winner around. His credibility has already taken a major blow, and the accounts still dropped information that could damage the reputation of multiple players.

When the Jahlil Okafor trades fell through in 2017, the accounts hinted at failed physicals — something that, prior to The Ringer report, never surfaced. The accounts also referenced video of Markelle Fultz working on changes to his shot. In both cases, only high-ranking team employees would (or at least should) have access to that information.

That’s why Colangelo’s job is on the line, according to ESPN. The report states that the Sixers’ private investigation is focusing on the possibility of Colangelo’s wife being in charge of the accounts, while also stating that the GM’s staff is “bracing for his dismissal”.

Ownership is reportedly worried that these allegations could impact Colangelo’s ability to attract free agents. And they’re absolutely right.

"Ownership fears that Colangelo’s credibility inside and outside the organization may be too badly damaged to continue his job, especially within a month of a July free-agency period when the Sixers plan to pursue superstars such as LeBron James and Paul George to partner with young stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons."

Having someone in charge of the front office who, either indirectly or directly, is tied to such brash critiques of Sixers’ players wouldn’t be the greatest first impression for free agents. LeBron has already taken his fair share of crap from the Cleveland higher-ups — he doesn’t want to go through anything similar on his next team.

Next: 5 reasons Sixers should sign Paul George

Colangelo’s reputation league-wide, regardless of how much input he had in those tweets, is already shattered. For the sake of the organization and it’s future, you can’t keep him around. It’s just not worth the risk.