Philadelphia 76ers' Doc Rivers Replacement Candidate Ranks 2.0

Ranking the 76ers' coaching candidates after a week of the search.

Last week, the Philadelphia 76ers hit the ground running with their search for a new head coach.

After coming up short against the Boston Celtics during the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Daryl Morey took a popular suggestion to the 76ers’ Managing Partners. And just like that, the team decided it would be best to move on from Doc Rivers.

Following three seasons of playoff runs ending in the second round, it was clear that Rivers wasn’t living up to the Sixers’ expectations. While he hasn’t been the sole reason why the Sixers haven’t been able to end the Eastern Conference Finals drought over the last few years, Rivers didn’t accomplish the goal the team set out in front of him when he signed on.

Lately, the Sixers have been working the coaches’ free agency market. After the Rivers run, the Sixers were linked to six candidates they would consider. So far, nobody has been eliminated from contention, and nobody has been added.

After the last week, let’s take a look at the potential ranks for Doc Rivers replacements based on the latest developments from around the league.

Philadelphia’s Needs

First, let’s take a look at what the Sixers are searching for based on Daryl Morey’s preferences.

• Knowing how to best utilize Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and James Harden (?)

• Ready to win now

• Leadership and accountability 

• Tactics

• Ability to build relationships with and recruit star players

• Championship experience 

The Ranks

76ers assistant Sam Cassell

6. Sam Cassell (Prev. 6)

The former three-time champion guard has a great argument to become the next head coach of the Sixers. He already has a solid relationship with the team’s budding star Tyrese Maxey and is also tight with James Harden, who the Sixers would like to retain.

The issue for Cassell is that he doesn’t have head coaching experience. Considering the Sixers’ timeline is win now at all costs, taking a gamble on a first-year head coach is one that I can’t see the 76ers making — especially when there are prospects with championship resumes available. So far, there hasn’t been any indication that Cassell will pick up his first head coaching gig in Philadelphia. 

Former Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams

5. Monty Williams (Prev. 4)

I debated between moving Cassell up one and placing Williams last because all signs are beginning to point towards the former Phoenix Suns head coach taking a season off. As Williams remains under contract in Phoenix, initial reports after his firing mentioned that he needed some time off to evaluate his future.

Williams was expected to garner interest from the Sixers and the Bucks, two contenders that are on a similar timeline as the Suns, but there hasn’t been a lot of traction there. I won’t rule Williams out entirely, as he has some history with the Sixers. However, it seems he’s trending towards a break rather than a quick reset elsewhere.

Former Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni

4. Mike D’Antonti (Prev. 2)

Honestly, I’m shocked at the lack of rumors regarding Mike D’Antoni this time around. Before Doc Rivers signed with the Sixers three years ago, it seemed D’Antoni was on his way to replacing Brett Brown. Considering he comes from Houston and has had many successful seasons coaching James Harden specifically, D’Antoni to Philly was hard to ignore.

So far, it’s been crickets, though. Maybe it’s too late. Or maybe the Sixers are truly in no rush to make their decision. Either way, there hasn’t been much smoke surrounding D’Antoni through one week of the coaching search. 

Former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel

3. Frank Vogel (Prev. 5)

After getting a season off, Frank Vogel seems set on making his return to the game. Earlier this week, Vogel became the first confirmed interview for the Sixers since they fired up their search. He’s also reportedly a finalist for the Suns’ head coaching job.

The three-time head coach didn’t go out of LA on the best terms, but he did win a title recently, which is something that can’t be ignored. 

Former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse

2. Nick Nurse (Prev. 3)

Out of the six candidates Philadelphia is considering so far, Nick Nurse seems to be the most popular. He’s of interest in Philly, Phoenix, and formerly Milwaukee. From an Xs and Os standpoint, Nurse could probably be the most creative option for the Sixers, but two things prevent him from being number one on this list.

One, the competition is stiff here. While Nurse is no longer in the race for the Bucks job, the Suns still have an interest in Nurse. And that's a team that could look better on paper compared to the Sixers. 

Sure, Philly has the MVP, Joel Embiid, but his playoff performance wasn’t super inspiring. Plus, the uncertainty with James Harden and the point guard position is a hard sell when the Suns have a star-studded roster and made an NBA Finals appearance in recent years.

Two, I’m not sure how Nurse would be perceived by core members of the Sixers. Let’s not forget, Joel Embiid has been critical of the Toronto Raptors’ game plans and accused them of being more worried about slowing down single players rather than winning games, which could be perceived as a notable criticism aimed at Nurse. 

Then, there’s also the viral video of Nurse being critical of James Harden that has made its rounds over the last few weeks. If the Sixers are searching for a coach that strengthens their case to retain Harden, Nurse might do more prevention than anything. 

Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer

1. Mike Budenholzer (Prev. 1)

Champion? Check. Coach of the Year? Check and check. Coached an MVP? Check. Public support from Philadelphia’s most prominent star? Check. Mike Budenholzer checks plenty of boxes for the Sixers, and might be the safest hire for the team at this time. 

Many were surprised that Budenholzer was let go by the Bucks. While the first-round flameout as the top seed definitely called for the 2022-2023 NBA season to be considered a bust for Milwaukee, many questioned whether the Bucks were too reactionary by letting go of Bud.

As I mentioned last week, each passing day in the postseason looks slightly better for the Bucks, as the Miami Heat are proving to be a team of destiny in the Eastern Conference. After barely cracking the eighth seed and taking down the top-seeded Bucks, the Heat went on to defeat the New York Knicks in five games during the second round.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat went up 3-0 on the Boston Celtics. While the Cs are chipping away at the series lead, picking up wins in the last two games, Miami is still one win away from going to the 2023 NBA Finals. The Bucks weren’t great in the playoffs — but the Heat have been — and that has to help Budenholzer’s image as coaching searches proceed.