76ers reportedly part ways with Daryl Morey after another disappointing season

Injuries once again sunk the 76ers the following year, as the franchise limped to a 24-58 record. Because of those injuries, a major bounce back was expected this season, as the team would be able to add an elite prospect to team up with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

That prospect, VJ Edgecombe, has looked the part, but yet another injury-riddled season from Embiid dropped the team into the play-in tournament.

With his 76ers tenure over, Morey will likely get plenty of attention this offseason. While he’s still looking for his first NBA championship, Morey has proven he can build — or at least build on — consistent winners.

That wasn’t a guarantee when Morey was first hired to be the Rockets’ general manager. While the NBA was using and dabbling with advanced stats at the time, Morey’s elevation into a general manager role solidified their position in the league. Morey’s dependance on those advanced stats — and new technology — has turned him into a bit of a lightning rod around the game. He received plenty of criticism from former players when he admitted the 76ers used AI — artificial intelligence, not Allen Iverson — to make free-agent decisions.

While it had nothing to do with Morey’s in-game tactics, he also was at the center of controversy in 2019, when he tweeted support for freedom in Hong Kong, causing China to suspend its work with the Rockets.

Morey quickly backtracked, but the damage was done. Members of the Rockets denounced Morey’s statement, fearing the team could lose money if China cut ties with the organization. Others criticized Morey for backing down and failing to stand by his original point.

A little over a year later, Morey resigned as the Rockets’ general manager. It’s unclear how — if at all — Morey’s tweet led to his decision to leave the organization. He wasn’t a free agent for long, joining the 76ers just a few weeks later.

Morey could be in for another quick turnaround this offseason. Despite his missteps, he’s shown the ability to build or support title contenders at two different spots. That should make him one of the more coveted executives on the market this offseason.

This story will be updated.