An eventful Wednesday left the Sixers with an impressive collection of executive and coaching talent.
No NBA storyline topped the Philadelphia 76ers’ surprise hire of Daryl Morey as president of basketball operations Wednesday afternoon. The second-winningest GM in basketball over his 14 years in Houston, Morey is widely considered the most innovative decision-maker in the NBA.
The Sixers, however, made several moves beyond Morey. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Doc Rivers will add Sam Cassell to his coaching staff. A former assistant to Rivers in LA, Cassell interviewed for multiple head coach openings around the league before coming to South Philly. He has 11 years of coaching experience on top of 15 years as a player.
In addition to Cassell, the Sixers will also sign former Pacers assistant Dan Burke, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. Known for his defensive knowledge, Burke spent 20 years on the sidelines in Indiana. It’s hard to find a more experienced assistant.
Cassell and Burke join Dave Joerger — a former head coach in Memphis and Sacramento — on Rivers’ loaded bench. Not many teams have Philadelphia’s depth of talent and experience in the coaching department. The hope, of course, is that this collection of voices can unlock a new level of competitiveness.
Both Joerger and Burke will presumably head Philadelphia’s defensive attack, while the Sixers can rely on Rivers and Cassell primarily to devise the offense. Of note is Burke’s comment from last season, in which he expressed his hatred for the Sixers. The fanbase will love him. Now he’s on the right side of Joel Embiid’s antics.
The Sixers have now assembled a top-rate coaching staff under one of the NBA’s best executives. Morey is expected to have the final say in the front office. For the first time in a minute, there’s reason for optimism in Philadelphia — even if there’s still a long way to go.
It’s a good week in Sixerland.