Philadelphia 76ers give second interviews to two GM candidates

The Philadelphia 76ers are now becoming focused on filling the void at general manager with two external candidates getting second interviews.

It took most of the summer but at the end of August, the Philadelphia 76ers had three out prospects they had gotten permission to interview for the club’s general manager (GM) position. Those three candidates were: Larry Harris, Gersson Rosas and Justin Zanik. Of those three, only two external candidates remain in the race for the Sixers GM vacancy, according to Keith Pompey of Philly.com.

Pompey later tweeted out that the Sixers don’t have a dinner interview scheduled with Harris. Harris currently works for the Golden State Warriors, but has had experience being the Milwaukee Bucks GM from 2003-08. It should also be noted that the Sixers are still considering all internal candidates along with Zanik and Rosas, according to Adrian Worjanowski of ESPN.

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This is good progress from a franchise that dragged its feet in regards to filling the void of leadership within the front office. Both Rosas and Zanik are more than qualified candidates for filling the role of GM for Philadelphia.

Both have taken on the mantle of GM in short sprints respectively. However, it’s important to note that Rosas resigned as the Dallas Mavericks GM after an apparent power struggle with the team’s front office leader Don Nelson. Where as Zanik was the Milwaukee Bucks interim GM, though was not hired on full-time.

The reason behind Rosas resigning from the Mavericks might raise some red flags for Philly’s ownership group due to how the 76ers front office currently function as a cohesive unit with collaborative decision making. However, if Rosas is willing to work in that capacity, then the concern with his ability to work with other contributing voices should be subdued. Currently, Rosas works in the Houston Rockets front office.

Zanik’s inability to get the Bucks GM position is somewhat of a head scratcher. He had the support of the Bucks coach at the time in Jason Kidd, as well as two owners, but was unable to convince the rest of the ownership that he was the guy for the job. While Zanik didn’t get the GM job in Milwaukee, he’s currently employed with the Utah Jazz’s front office.

After these second interviews are concluded, the Philadelphia 76ers should be able to figure out which candidate fits the franchise’s culture best. Regardless, of which one is ultimately hired for the position, each has the skills to help guide the Sixers in the years to come.