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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 candidates for vacant general manager role

By Bret Stuter

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Eli Witus, vice president of basketball operations, Houston Rockets

With an imminent NBA Draft and free agency period, the Philadelphia 76ers must take considerable care to sync in their new executive. Philosophically speaking, this person must understand the history of the team’s rebuild.

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    • This person must not just understand, but accept the basic principals of building a roster with accumulation of assets, and not only accumulating, but converting players and picks into even more valuable players and picks for the Philadelphia 76ers. That is not an easy hire, as 29 other NBA teams seek that same style.

    Since the arrival of former Houston Rockets executive Sam Hinkie, there has been an unspoken connection between the Sixers and the Rockets organizations. It was the Houston Rockets who hired assistant head coach Mike D’Antoni to fill their head coaching role. It’s also the Houston Rockets who had oftentimes been a trade partner or source for new basketball talent. The heavy use of basketball analytics had the two teams targeting similar players and skill-sets.

    With that in mind, Eli Witus could be an ideal candidate to assume the lead role with a very talented Philadelphia 76ers team. Not only is he very experienced with the formation of an NBA contender in Houston, but the young man has a solid background with all of the vital components to ensure a “steady-as-she-goes” transition.

    He is quite familiar with basketball analytics. He also has the background of a team aiming to win an NBA championship, and getting closer each year. Finally, he fits the mold of a young NBA executive who would be very tempted to take over a promising future like Philadelphia’s.  I believe he makes a very intriguing candidate.