Richard Rowe – USA Today Sports
For the most part, all has been quiet on the head coaching front for the Philadelphia 76ers. After Doug Collins decided to step down at the end of the season, the Sixers have brought in Sam Hinkie from the Houston Rockets as their general manager to replace Tony DiLeo. But since then, Hinkie has not made much noise when it comes to the NBA coaching rumors.
As of now, there are six current assistant coaches that can be considered serious targets for their head coaching vacancy. Rather than shooting for some of the big names out there like Lionel Hollins, George Karl or Brian Shaw, it seems more likely that the 76ers give a longtime assistant the first chance to run their own team. Look for Hinkie to bring someone in that he can trust, and they can work together for years to come.
According to Marc Stein, and earlier reported by Paul Seaver of Rant Sports, the Sixers have put Miami Heat assistant David Fizdale and Denver Nuggets assistant Melvin Hunt on their radar. Fizdale would bring a championship pedigree as he is pursuing his second consecutive ring on the Heat bench. In Denver, with Karl being let go, it might be time for some of his top assistants like Hunt to branch out and find a head coaching gig.
The Sixers also have interest in two Rockets assistants, Kelvin Sampson and Chris Finch. The obvious tie here is with Hinkie in Houston; he certainly knows what he would be getting from either of these guys.
According to a tweet from Ronald Tillery, the Sixers also appear to have interest in Memphis Grizzlies assistant Dave Joerger, who could be looking for another job if Hollins decides to leave.
Lastly, it has always been a known conclusion that in-house candidate Michael Curry has a serious chance of landing the job. He already has the respect of the players and the organization and could help clean up the mess left by Collins.
The names are starting to pour out now. It’s now up to Hinkie to see which candidate he feels best fits. There’s a combination of offensive and defensive minded coaches here, all with excellent credentials. Hinkie just needs to decide what direction he wants to take his franchise.
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