- Philadelphia 76ers’ head coach Doc Rivers was fired after a disappointing second-round exit from the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
- JJ Redick, former NBA player, and current analyst, is favored to be hired as the next coach of the 76ers.
- The news comes on the heels of James Harden declining his one-year player option and testing free agency.
It has been less than a week since the Philadelphia 76ers lost in disappointing fashion to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. In the aftermath of the loss, there has already been a flurry of off-season activity in Philadelphia.
Doc Rivers joins a growing list of NBA coaches that have been fired. Nick Nurse (Raptors), Mike Budenholzer (Bucks), and Monty Williams (Suns) are all looking for new jobs after being dismissed.
The Houston Rockets declined to pick up the fourth-year option on head coach Stephen Silas. Dwane Casey stepped down as head coach and moved to a front-role position with the Detroit Pistons.
The 76ers are the latest team looking for a new head coach. If the betting odds at BetOnline are any indicator, the 76ers’ next head coach will be JJ Redick. Redick played in the NBA from 2006 to 2021.
He spent two years in Philadelphia with the 76ers from 2017 to 2019. Since retiring from his playing career, Redick has worked as a basketball commentator and analyst. The ex-Duke Blue Devil is a regular contributor on ESPN’s First Take.
Currently, Redick is the favorite to land the 76ers job with +300 odds. Mike D’Antoni has the second-best odds at +350. Allen Iverson’s chances has the longest odds at +50000.
Breaking: The 76ers dismissed coach Doc Rivers, sources told @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/QNlLqWsCpj
— ESPN (@espn) May 16, 2023
JJ Redick Reportedly Interviewed By Toronto Raptors
The 76ers are not the only team interested in Redick. According to recent reports, the Toronto Raptors interviewed the would-be rookie coach last week. Toronto is in search of a new head coach after parting ways with Nurse.
Redick has not personally confirmed the reports that he was interviewed for a head coaching opportunity in the NBA. In fact, he has not discussed the rumors in the media.
If this is true, Redick is showcasing an incredible poker face. Earlier this week, he did comment on Rivers being fired. The former sharpshooter noted that he wasn’t surprised that Rivers received the boot.
While Redick isn’t publicly acknowledging the reports, he isn’t denying anything either. Raptors’ GM Masai Ujiri is unlikely to hire any coach on the spot. He has been patient during his tenure and is unlikely to make any quick decisions.
There have been no reports that the 76ers are planning on interviewing Redick. The odds are all speculation at this point. Redick’s history as a player with the 76ers might be a driving factor in the odds.
However, there isn’t much else that connects Redick to the job. He and Joel Embiid had a good relationship when they were on the same roster and continue to stay in touch. If the front office believes hiring Redick will keep Embiid happy, then they may give the 38-year-old a look.
76ers Planning On Meeting With Nick Nurse
The 76ers are intending on setting up a meeting with a coach that Embiid has not had kind things to say about in the past. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers want to meet with former Raptors’ head coach, Nick Nurse.
Former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse is meeting with Sixers ownership and management this week coming up in regards to the vacant head-coaching position, according to league sources.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) May 19, 2023
This is notable because Embiid has not been shy about voicing his displeasure with Nurse over the past few years. Embiid has, on more than one occasion, brought up the fact that Nurse whines to officials too often.
In April, Embiid said that the Brooklyn Nets were taking the Nurse route after they complained to officials for fouls. Embiid and Nurse have a history after several memorable battles between the 76ers and Raptors.
It would be an interesting choice if the 76ers go in this direction, but both Embiid and Nurse are professionals. This little rivalry is unlikely to be a dealbreaker. Nurse going into Philadelphia and winning right away would repair any animosity.
You can bet on Nurse being hired by the 76ers at +500. Williams, D’Antoni, and Redick all have better odds to secure the job than Nurse. The rift between Embiid and Nurse is the probable reason why this bet isn’t seeing more money from the public.
New Head Coach Will Likely Be Without James Harden
On Wednesday, May 17, Harden announced that he opted out of the final year of his contract with the 76ers. He hopes to sign a long-term deal instead of playing on a one-year $35.6 million deal in 2023-24.
Harden could have a reunion with the Houston Rockets. The Rockets have a lot of money to spend and have the cap space to make a deal work with Harden.
Currently, the Rockets are favored to sign Harden in free agency. The 33-year-old all-star has made it clear that he wants to play for a competitive team.
Whether he considers the up-and-coming Rockets competitive is up to interpretation, but probably not after a 22-60 season. Perhaps if the Rockets had won the Victor Wembanyama lottery draw.
There are unsubstantiated reports going around that Harden was one of the primary catalysts for Rivers getting fired. It is no secret that Rivers and Harden were not the best of friends. Now that Rivers was fired, will Harden consider signing with the 76ers?
Will the 76ers take a gamble on Redick to rebuild confidence and chemistry in the locker room? Redick may have no coaching experience, but his personal relationship with Embiid is something to keep in mind.
