A couple of days ago, Philadelphia 76ers General Manager faced reporters for a press conference following the team’s first-round series loss to New York. In addition to the more obvious questions regarding how he plans to address his own free agents, Morey also navigated questions involving his moves at the trade deadline and 76ers hoopers participation in the upcoming Summer Olympics Games.
It was pretty clear messing from the longtime executive. The Sixers need to find a way to build around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Armed with the potential for the most available cap space entering the off-season, the Philadelphia 76ers management team will have loads of options and plenty of critical discussions to make before now and the start of pre-season training camp next September.
Morey Discusses 2024 Trade Deadline for Philadelphia
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Daryl Morey was extremely candid regarding his feelings surrounding the acquisitions he provided for the Philadelphia 76ers around the NBA’s February trade deadline. Morey expressed Cam Payne, acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks, was a better addition to the team than he expected he would. Ditto for Mr. Kyle Lowry, who arrived via free agency (and the Charlotte Hornets, technically). Morey was happy with how both players fit.
On the forever rumored Buddy Hield acquisition, Morey said that he did not think the pairing worked as much as he expected the skill set would in the Playoffs. He did mention it was more understandable since a lot of Heild’s time was without Embiid in the lineup late in the season. Morey also credited the New York Knicks defense in the Playoffs for limiting Buddy Hield’s floor space early in the series. The Philadelphia 76ers GM was happy Buddy received the chance to showcase his skills with his 20 points in the game-six season-ending loss.
Morey Supports American Dreams of Philadelphia 76ers’ Big Star
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Morey was questioned about the participation of Philadephia 76ers players in the upcoming Summer Olympic Games around Paris, France, in July 2024. Daryl smiled as he reminisced about attending Embiid’s party for family and friends following the acquisition of Joel’s American citizenship last year. Morey specifically mentioned how proud Joel was to be an American and his talking about representing America at the Games. Morey thinks “it’s cool” that Embiid wants to play for the Red, White, and Blue.
Daryl Morey clarified that it was entirely out of his hands whether or not Embiid, or any other Sixers player for that matter, is a participant in the 2024 Summer Games. This is due to the way the collectively bargained agreement, or CBA, is between the league and the NBA player’s association. No NBA team has a say in the matter. However, Morey did have a comment:
“I think it is important to support the dreams of your best player.”
Morey Provides His Off-season Plan For Sixers
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If I haven’t drilled the point home yet about how honest and forthcoming I felt Daryl Morey was with the members of the media this week, let me put it this way. He literally gave his plan for the Philadelphia 76ers off-season… and the backup plan! No, he didn’t claim anyone other than “(head) Coach Nick Nurse, Embiid, Maxey, (Paul) Reed, & (Ricky) Council IV” would be returning to the roster. Nor did he proclaim that a star like Jimmy Butler is coming to the Philadelphia 76ers. Reed’s contract is non-guaranteed, as Philadelphia failed to advance to the 2nd Round this year.
Instead, Morey said the team management needs to focus on “building around Embiid & Maxey now.” Morey added, “You need better players than your opponents (to win in the NBA).” There is no Excel-based spreadsheet formula for building a Championship team. The recipe changes routinely as the NBA consistently evolves with new players, skills, and tactics. If that doesn’t work, adjust to the situation, but “we won’t….just sign a player for a lot of money”. If the ideal options fail to pan out, Morey said he will adjust to looking at one-year deals (again).
On energetic young All-Star Tyrese Maxey, the GM had nothing but praise for the NBA’s Most Improved Player of 2024. Philadelphia 76ers management feels the “sky is the limit” for the star. The executive did not use that “star” word lightly either. Morey felt Maxey took a big step in his development this season due to the Embiid injury and facing tougher defensive matchups. The belief went from “high to certain” that Tyrese Maxey could fill the role as the 2nd-best player on a Title team next to Joel Embiid in the eyes of the executives.
Finally, regarding the NBA Draft and the Philadelphia 76ers’ 16th overall selection, Morey says all options are on the board. They are excited by the talent on the board at that spot but do not expect that young player to make an immediate impact in 2025. Philly is open to “trading up or back (in the draft)” as well as trading the pick if it makes sense.
The biggest takeaway from the presser was the simple process for the Philadelphia 76ers heading into a far-too-early 2024 offseason :
Get the best players you can
Get a great coach [check!]
Figure out how to win with those players
Go win the thing
If Daryl Morey can find the right players for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Embiid stays healthy in the post-season, then the plan is in place for a party down South Broad Street for the first time since 1983.
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. With a varied professional background that includes an M.B.A. in Sports Management from Tiffin University, Chris can speak with authority on the subject matters that he covers. Additional insightful sports articles can be located here.
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