The Philadelphia 76ers have officially named Daryl Morey as director of basketball operations and extended the contract of general manager Elton Brand.
Morey is a product of Medina Highland (Ohio) High School. He spent the previous 13 seasons as Houston GM, stepping down after the Rockets were bounced from the second-round of the playoffs. Morey stepped down shortly after coach Mike D’Antoni did the same, and it’s fair to wonder if the decisions are related.
Anyway, Morey is now the man in charge of the 76ers.
“Thank you to Josh Harris for the trust he has placed in me to lead the 76ers,” Morey said. “I am humbled by the challenge and will work tirelessly to win the hearts of Philadelphia’s legendary fans.”
Morey, 48, began his career with the Rockets as an assistant general manager in 2006, after serving a stint in the Boston Celtics’ front office. He succeeded Carroll Dawson as Rockets GM in 2007.
The Rockets never had a losing season under Morey, compiling a 640-400 record during his reign. That was the second-best record (behind San Antonio) over the previous 13 seasons. They also have reached the playoffs eight straight seasons, the longest current such streak in the league.
Along with the Morey move, the 76ers recently hired Doc Rivers as coach. And Brand’s multiyear extension shows that he will continue to play a vital role.
“This offseason, we made it our mission to make this organization better and stronger,” Harris said. “By hiring a tremendous front-office leader in Daryl and championship coach in Doc, as well as extending Elton, we’re proud of what we’ve assembled.”
