RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Hinkie Looking Forward To Interviewing Top Draft Prospects

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:41:54 EDT

Sam Hinkie is gearing up to interview top prospects at the NBA draft combine in Chicago.

"It's rare that you get the opportunity to meet some of these players,” Hinkie said. “Some of these players won't come to a particular city to work out or won't come based on your draft position. When you go to Chicago, you get to interview the players and see them up close.

"Even if it's not a target that you can reach now, a player that you think will go too high for Philadelphia's current draft position, I very much want to meet him, I very much want to quiz him, I very much want to try and understand what makes him tick because he will be a trade target in the coming years, he will be a free-agent target in 4 years, he might be a maximum target to recruit on July 1 in 9 years, and this instance now is worth collecting and learning."

The Sixers currently have the 11th pick in the draft, which will be held on June 27.

Nick Young Sued For Sexual Assault For 2011 Incident

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:28:54 EDT

Nick Young is being sued for sexual assault by a woman for an incident that occurred in West Hollywood in 2011.

Young allegedly bought champagne for the woman and her friend, and then slipped the date rape drug gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid into the beverage because her memory of the evening ended shortly thereafter.

Young admitted to the woman the next morning that he had sex with her but then stopped when she passed out. The woman was bleeding from her vagina and rectum.

When Young took the woman home, she then went to the UCLA Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center, where she took a rape kit and was tested for STDs.

Young is being sued for sexual battery, sexual assault and false imprisonment.

Young spent the 12-13 NBA season with the Philadelphia 7ers and will be a free agent this offseason.

Hinkie: 76ers Have Thoughtful, Committed Ownership

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:46:38 EDT

Sam Hinkie has been officially hired as general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander hired me to bring a data-driven approach to their front office and general manager Daryl Morey allowed me to flourish. I am so fortunate and grateful for the opportunities they both afforded me,” said Hinkie. “I agreed to come lead the Sixers because the first, and to my mind, the most important building block is in place: A thoughtful ownership group committed to building a basketball operation that is data-driven, strategic and relentlessly innovative. The challenge ahead of us is real, but I am invigorated to build something lasting for Philadelphia.”

Hinkie graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma and received his MBA from Stanford.

While with the Rockets, Hinkie utilized data to improve decision making in the NBA Draft, via free agency and trades, and in-game strategy. Additionally, Hinkie provided day-to-day management of basketball operations, managed the Rockets' salary cap and scouted prospects in person across the collegiate and professional ranks

Sam Hinkie Hired As New GM Of 76ers

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:39:48 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers have hired Sam Hinkie as their new general manager.

Hinkie replaces Tony DiLeo and will have complete control over basketball operations.

Hinkie had been the Houston Rockets' vice president of basketball operations since 2010.

Hinkie brought an analytics background to his position with the Rockets.

Josh Harris and his ownership group had previously stated that they wanted a GM with an analytics background.

Holiday, Turner Endorse Michael Curry To Become 76ers' Head Coach

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:43:27 EDT

Jrue Holiday has recommended the Philadelphia 76ers hire Michael Curry as head coach.

Curry has been associate head coach of the 76ers, where he has been largely responsible for Holiday's development.

"I've known him for the last three years," Holiday said Wednesday. "He's somebody I trust, and somebody I'd love as a head coach."

Curry often served as a communicator between Doug Collins and the players.

"I think he was the glue to our team last year," Holiday said of Curry. "Obviously we were defensive-based, which is big for us. That was our calling card, and Mike was responsible for that."

Evan Turner also would like to see Curry get consideration.

"We really don't have a lot of room to start all over again when you look at us," said Turner. "I think it would be great for the organization. We respect Mike."

Curry was head coach of the Detroit Pistons for one season.

76ers To Interview Mike Malone, Hornacek

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:35:16 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will interview Mike Malone and Jeff Hornacek for their head coaching vacancy, according to sources.

Malone is currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, while Hornacek is an assistant with the Utah Jazz.

Malone has been a candidate for several NBA head coaching jobs and is currently the top-paid assistant in the league.

The 76ers are also strongly considering Brian Shaw and would be interested in Lionel Hollins should he become available.

76ers Won't Rush To Find Next Head Coach

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:21:43 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will take a steady approach in searching for a replacement for Doug Collins as head coach.

"Obviously the sooner the better in terms that there are other teams that want coaches," owner Josh Harris said. "Having said that it's a really important position, so the answer is it's not possible to put a time frame on it.

"Clearly we are sequencing it quickly. We're not waiting around, but there is a lot of work to be done. It's just hard to put a time frame on it. Faster is better but only if you find the right person."

Harris is running the search with general manager Tony DiLeo.

76ers To Have D-League Franchise In Newark

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:35:43 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will have a D-League franchise based in Newark, Delaware, according to sources.

The affiliate won't be an expansion as it will be the relocation of a dormant franchise.

The 76ers will join the likes of the Thunder, Rockets and Spurs to have a single franchise D-League affiliate.

Sources: Mike Malone High On 76ers' List Of Coaching Candidates

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:43:29 EDT

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Malone is high on the Philadelphia 76ers' list of candidates to replace Doug Collins, according to sources.

Brian Shaw, who is Frank Vogel's lead assistant, is also a top candidate for the 76ers.

76ers Have Mike Brown, Shaw Atop Wish List

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:36:08 EDT

While the Philadelphia 76ers have recently begun searching for a new head coach to replace Doug Collins, sources say Mike Brown and Brian Shaw are at the top of their wish list.

Brown was fired by the Los Angeles Lakers in November and has also been linked to a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Shaw is currently an assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers and has been close to several head coaching jobs.

Evan Turner Confident He'll Be Back With Sixers

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:48:09 EDT

Evan Turner believes he'll be back with the Philadephia 76ers next season.

Turner’s name has come up in several trade rumors.

"Not to be arrogant or cocky, but my name comes up, I believe, because of trade value in that situation," Turner said. "Regardless of whether I get heat for certain situations or certain bad nights and stuff, I still think I'm a valuable player in this league."

Turner averaged a career-best 13.3 points this season and was the only Sixer to start all 82 games.

"I'm just tapping the surface," said Turner, who averaged 7.2 points as a rookie and 9.4 last season. "The difference between 14 points and 18 points are a couple of foul calls. So people might agree that I get fouled a lot. So if I get to 18 points, that's all-star numbers."

76ers Would Make Andrew Bynum Trade Again

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:21:48 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers are continuing to consider re-signing Andrew Bynum despite his persistent knee issues.

“A healthy Bynum is a needle mover, a top 15 player,” said Harris one day after the end of a disappointing 34-48 season. “We’re going to weigh the positives and the negatives and try to make a reasoned assessment about what’s appropriate for Andrew. Certainly, we’re open to the prospect of bringing him back.”

The 76ers included Nik Vucevic in the deal for Bynum, who had a promising season with the Orlando Magic.

“If I had to make that decision again, I’d make it again,” said Harris of the Bynum trade.

Michael Curry Will Interview For 76ers' Head Coaching Job, Eyes Other Openings

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:45:49 EDT

With the resignation of Doug Collins as Philadelphia 76ers head coach, associate Michael Curry will interview for the franchise's vacancy while eyeing job openings around the NBA, Curry told RealGM on Thursday afternoon.

Curry discussed the 76ers' coaching position with general manager Tony DiLeo on Thursday and will continue his duties into the offseason as part of the staff. DiLeo has already begun compiling a list of candidates and Curry is poised to be among them to receive a formal interview.

Collins, now a special consultant to the 76ers, has always been an advocate of Curry, who served as his lead assistant over the past three seasons. Nevertheless, the possibility exists of the 76ers' ownership clearing out the current staff and bringing in a fresh coach as its first hiring.

After being a finalist for the Orlando Magic's vacancy that went to Jacque Vaughn last offseason, Curry has established himself as a defensive coach who will attract interviews from teams with openings � such as the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, who fired Byron Scott on Thursday, have made clear their hunt will be predicated on finding a defensive mind with strong schemes. The Milwaukee Bucks could also have an opening this offseason, given Jim Boylan's seemingly tepid status.

In one season as the Detroit Pistons' coach in 2009, Curry went 39-43 and reached the playoffs as the eighth seed before being fired. Since then, he has emerged as an influential voice within the 76ers' staff, and he led more and more huddles in recent years.

"I have grown as a coach since [the Pistons season] and I know that it's not just about Xs and Os; you also have to be a great communicator, good with your dealings," Curry said. "I feel I am there now, and I helped a lot of those young players grow in Detroit and now here in Philadelphia."

Doug Collins Made Decision To Step Down In December

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:30:12 EDT

Doug Collins has stepped down as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers after a frustrating season in which Andrew Bynum did not play a single game.

Josh Harris, owner of the 76ers, formally announced the move in a press conference on Thursday.

"This is his decision," said Harris. "I want to make that unequivocally clear."

Collins said he made the decision that this would be his final season while spending the holidays in December with family.

Collins also said that he will not return to coaching in the future.

Doug Collins Informs 76ers He'll Resign At Season's End

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:15:50 EDT

Doug Collins informed Philadelphia 76ers' ownership that he will resign as head coach at season's end, according to league sources.

Collins' possible return to the franchise in another role -- perhaps in the front office -- hasn't been ruled out, a source said.

The 76ers' ownership wanted Collins to return for the final season of his contract, worth $4.5 million, but the coach informed owner Josh Harris of his decision to leave.

The 76ers are 33-47 this season, ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

Source: Collins Will Decide His Future With 76ers

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:20:34 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers are not forcing Doug Collins out, according to a source.

The team is supportive of the head coach and if he doesn't return, it will have been his decision.

The story is contrary to a report by the Philadelphia Inquirer, which, citing league sources, claims that the team "privately hopes that [Collins] decides not to return for the 2013-14 season."

Collins is signed through the 2013-14 season after the team picked up the fourth-year option on his contract before this season.

Sources: 76ers Hope Doug Collins Steps Down As Coach

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:34:38 EDT

The Philadlephia 76ers privately wish that Doug Collins decides not to return as coach for the final year of his contract next season, according to multiple league sources.

The 76ers have no plans to extend Collins' contract.

Due to his desire to win, Collins has been demanding with people above him in the 76ers' organization and players on the roster. Some members of the organization prefer a coach who is more pliable in his dealings with management and players.

Collins, who will turn 62 this summer, would have to leave $4.5 million on the table if he decided to quit.

"I think he's gone at the end of the year. He'll be moving on," said one NBA source with intimate knowledge of the situation. "He'll decide to leave, and they won't be upset about it. They would like to see it work out that he decides to move on."

After a run to the second round in last year's playoffs, the 76ers have slipped badly this season, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference and 16 games under .500.

Nick Young 'Trying To Get A Long-Term Contract'

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:32:55 EDT

Nick Young, who signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers last summer, should be an attractive guard option on the free agent market this offseason.

"I'm just trying to get a long-term contract," Young said. "I'm just going to weigh my options and see what goes on. Free agency is crazy. I've been in it the last two years. I'm just hoping for the best."

Young hasn't ruled out a return to the 76ers, but expressed optimism about being able to go through the free agency process and evaluate his options.

Jrue Holiday Weary As Minutes Continue To Accumulate

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:56:49 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers have been eliminated from playoff contention and Jrue Holiday is exhausted.

He is averaging career highs in points (18.1) assists (8.5), rebounds (4.3) and minutes per game (38.4).

With six games to go, Holiday admits that he's dragging.

"It's been tiring, obviously. I won't lie," Holiday said. "It's my first time really going through a season where you're averaging more than 35 minutes. It's about taking care of yourself. There's a lot of things that I can't do that other people probably can. I'm sleeping all day instead of waking up and going out and watching a movie or something. I'm in bed all day."

Holiday has shot 12-for-55 (21.8 percent) over his past three games, including a 2-for-24 stinker at Charlotte.

"That's something that you also have to learn," Holiday said of the mental aspect. "I was talking to the vets, like Damien [Wilkins] and Dorell [Wright] and all the guys that have been here and been on good and bad teams and really just going through that struggle. It's just something new and something I'm trying to get through."

Bynum Hasn't Ruled Out Re-Signing With 76ers

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:41:08 EDT

Andrew Bynum has not ruled out re-signing with the Philadelphia 76ers once free agency begins on July 1, according to the player's agent.

"I don't see why not," Bynum's agent, David Lee, said when asked whether or not Bynum would consider signing an extension with the 76ers this summer. "I still feel like the ball is in their court."

Bynum, who had arthroscopic surgery on both knees last month to remove debris, hasn't played a single game for the 76ers after coming over in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers last August.

"Philadelphia has been terrific to us – from [majority owner] Josh Harris to [CEO/co-owner] Adam Aron to [general manager] Tony DiLeo," Lee said. "The only way that Philadelphia would not be an option would be if they decided that they wanted to go in another direction."

76ers Will 'See What Transpires' When It Comes To Re-Signing Bynum

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:26:25 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers don't have a timetable to decide on whether or not they will re-sign Andrew Bynum, according to president Rod Thorn.

"I don't," Thorn said. "He doesn't become a free agent until the end of June, the first of July.

"He is a free agent, he can go anywhere he wants to. It's not just what we want to do, it's what he wants to do, too."

Philadelphia acquired Bynum in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers prior to the season, but knee issues kept him from playing a game with the club.

"We'll have to see what transpires," Thorn added.

76ers Waive Jeremy Pargo, Sign Justin Holiday

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:41:25 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers have waived Jeremy Pargo and have also signed Justin Holiday.

Holiday appeared in 47 games with 42 starts for the Idaho Stampede in the D-League this season, averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.43 steals and 1.17 blocks in 34.7 minutes per game while shooting 42.1% from the floor, 41.2% from 3-point range and 81.6% from the line.

76ers To Call Up Justin Holiday From D-League

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:07:10 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will call up Justin Holiday from the Idaho Stampede of the NBA D-League, according to a source.

Holiday is the brother of 76ers star Jrue Holiday.

Justin Holiday is averaging 17.3 points and 5.3 rebounds for Idaho this season.

76ers' CEO: Loss To Nuggets 'Mind-Numbingly Bad'

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:47:26 EDT

After the Philadelphia 76ers lost their eighth game over the past 11 on Thursday, CEO and co-owner Adam Aron publicly ripped the team.

The 76ers had control of their game against the Denver Nuggets, but Evan Turner missed two critical free throws, Damien Wilkins fouled a three-point shooting Corey Brewer, and Philadelphia lost 101-100.

"That was the worst last minute of 76ers basketball I've seen in ages," Aron posted on his verified Twitter account. "Mind-numbingly bad."

Iguodala Doesn't Regret Time With 76ers

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:41:30 EDT

Andre Iguodala played against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night and stated he still maintains contact with several former teammates.

Iguodala was traded to the Denver Nuggets last offseason, but he said Thursday that he has no regrets about his time with the 76ers.

"I try to look forward," Iguodala said. "I don't live with regrets. I still talk to the guys in Philly. But we talk mostly about things outside of basketball. I talk to Jrue [Holiday] about getting married. . . . And I talk with Evan [Turner] a lot. "

Bynum Underwent Surgery On Knees

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:33:41 EDT

Andrew Bynum underwent bilateral arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday. The procedure was performed by Dr. David Altchek with the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Bynum will begin physical therapy on Friday and will remain non-weight bearing for approximately three weeks, after which he will spend an additional three weeks on crutches, at the recommendation of Dr. Altchek.

Bynum had not played this season.

Andrew Bynum Not Remembered Fondly By Former HS Coaches

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:02:15 EDT

Andrew Bynum has received criticism from NBA analysts such as Magic Johnson and former mentors like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and now his former high school coaches admit they do not have fond memories of the center.

"Everyone here at school says the same thing: What’s wrong with him? Why does he act like that?" says St. Joe’s athletic director Jerry Smith. "He went from someone we’re proud of to someone whose name we don’t even mention anymore."

Bynum, who attended St. Joseph High School before declaring for the 2005 NBA Draft, was officially announced out for the season on Monday with surgery on both knees.

"Yeah, I never respond to that kind of request, because Andrew has chosen not to stay in touch for whatever reason, so I just don’t get involved with it," says former St. Joe's coach Mark Taylor. "I don’t dislike him, and he’ll continue to do well if he can stay healthy, but I’m sure he’s got people who will guide him in times like this."

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