Philadelphia 76ers: What traits should the next General Manager have?

What should the Philadelphia 76ers look for in their next General Manager?

Recently, comments were made by owner Josh Harris and reported by Keith Pompey stating he believed “general manager experience and a track record is a plus… but we may not be able to get [a former GM].”

But let’s ask the real question: is that a bad thing?

History

Josh Harris took ownership of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011. At that time, he inherited a bit of a mess. Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand were the franchise and the NBA experiencing a lock out. Tony DiLeo stepped out of coaching the team and into the GM Role, after an early playoff exit.

A standard model

There’s something to be said about getting a “tried and true” executive, isn’t there? A guy who has some basketball office experience, or even better some playing or coaching experience, right?

When you think of General Manager, who do you think of? How about the greats like, Danny Ainge, or maybe Mitch Kupchak, or how about Vlade Divac or Pat Riley? These are the kinds of names fans salivate over when they think of who may take the reigns in Philly.

But is that what the team really needs? Folks who rely on “gut feelings,” or nostalgic reminiscence of past glory? We need forward thinking General Managers, who understand the game, and the numbers.

Is experience necessary?

It’s with this, that I suggest that… I don’t know who the new General Manager should be. But, I believe we need someone who doesn’t already have an “established way,” (looking at you, Buford).

We need a new face, someone who can see the lay of the land, and understand that it doesn’t need tweaking, but patience, wisdom, and “the longest view in the room.” (S/O to Sam!) Someone who isn’t afraid not to make a move, or to make the move no one else loves.

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Speaking of Sam Hinkie, here is how he put it, in his brilliant manifesto:

"“Investing in disruptive innovation doesn’t ferment misunderstanding, it necessitates it. Jeff Bezos says it this way: “There are a few prerequisites to inventing… You have to be willing to fail. You have to be willing to think long-term. You have to be willing to be misunderstood for long periods of time.”"

So, what will the Philadelphia 76ers do?

Again—I don’t know. But, I do know that if the process is to continue to progress, the Sixers can’t ever feel like they are one star away from completion. They can never afford to put themselves in a position to feel like the days of innovation are complete, or behind them; that the process is all but done. That is the kind of attitude that gets franchises left behind.

But, Philly can look to continue taking measured risks; considering opportunities to get more assets and have the foresight to make moves before it becomes beyond obvious it should have happened.

A candidate worthy of consideration

I think if the franchise is really looking to continue its innovation and excellence, they should bring in the person who is respectful of tradition but looking beyond 2019. The team should search for someone who doesn’t always agree with the direction of everyone else—a disruptor.

I’m not asking that it be so wild and outside of the box that the front office cannot co-exist; but the best opportunities seem to present themselves when the view is the widest and farthest.

Experience isn’t everything. Some of the greatest innovation has come on the heels of amateurs with knowledge, passion, commitment and humility.

Next: Who should be the Sixers' next GM? (Roundtable)

I guess what I’m trying to say is that, in the search for a new General Manager, Philadelphia needs to heed their own motto… and trust the process.

What should the Sixers look for in their next General Manager?

By Christopher Croom | Jul 11, 2018