Sixers news: Elton Brand has a new second in command

The Sixers have finally made adjustments to the front office.

After weeks of inaction, the Philadelphia 76ers have finally made changes to the front office. Elton Brand will remain first in command, but he has a new No. 2 — former Pacers exec Peter Dinwiddie, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. An Indiana native who spent 14 years with the Pacers, Dinwiddie brings ample experience to the Sixers’ decision-making core.

Dinwiddie will assume the title of executive vice president of basketball operations, which previously belonged to Alex Rucker. Once thought to be on his way out, Rucker will instead be reassigned to a role of less significance in the front office. He will focus on analytics and act as an “information-gatherer.”

According to Pompey, Dinwiddie’s league-wide perception is largely popular. He’s an expert in the salary cap, and is considered “smart and honest.” The Sixers could use more honesty in the front office. Philadelphia’s decision-makers have lacked both clarity and accountability in recent years, with rampant uncertainty over who exactly is making the calls.

A financial guru also feels appropriate given the Sixers’ dicey salary cap situation. Tobias Harris and Al Horford, on two of the NBA’s worst contracts, will contribute to Philadelphia’s astronomic luxury tax next season. That is, unless one (or both) gets traded. Forging a path forward with such limited financial flexibility is Brand’s foremost challenge as GM.

In addition to Dinwiddie, the Sixers have also signed former Magic scout Prosper Karangwa. A former professional player overseas and a scout in Orlando since 2012, Karangwa was named vice president of player personnel. This comes shortly after the Sixers lost director of scouting Phil Jabour to Sacramento.

Both Dinwiddie and Karangwa come to Philadelphia with positive reputations and are expected to have a say in decision-making — Dinwiddie as Brand’s right-hand man, Karangwa in a more fringe role. Looming large over everything, of course, is ownership, who will still have final say on any move the Sixers make. No matter how feverishly they paint Elton Brand as the man in charge.