Sixers to evaluate Daryl Morey, Nick Nurse after playoff sweep

The Sixers are expected to take a close look at their leadership structure after getting swept by the Knicks in the second round of the playoffs.

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, the futures of president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and coach Nick Nurse will be evaluated in the coming days. No decisions have been finalized, but ownership is expected to review the direction of the franchise.

Jones reports that several “uncomfortable conversations” are ahead, including how to proceed with Joel Embiid. Embiid had multiple points of tension with the front office and coaching staff during the season, including public comments about the team’s approach to the luxury tax and roster decisions.

One example came when Philadelphia traded Jared McCain for a future pick, a move that did not sit well with some players, per the report. Embiid also drew attention late in the season with a social media post after being held out of a game, later directing questions toward team decision-makers.

On the court, Embiid delivered in the playoffs and helped lead a first-round comeback against the Celtics. His availability remains a factor, though, after appearing in 38 regular-season games.

Embiid has two guaranteed years remaining on his deal, plus a player option, which complicates any potential trade scenario. Jones notes the focus may be more on alignment between Embiid, the front office and the coaching staff.

As for Morey, the report outlines a mixed evaluation. He received a first-round pick in the McCain deal and drafted Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, while also adding Dominick Barlow on a two-way deal. At the same time, long-term financial commitments to Embiid and Paul George have limited flexibility.

There are also reported concerns about locker room dynamics under Nurse, including a late-season meeting between players and staff to address issues within the group.

Nurse, however, guided the team to 45 wins despite injuries, and the Sixers showed resilience in their first-round series.

Roster-wise, Jones points to a need for more shooting, rebounding and size on the wing. Philadelphia has a core in place, but the second-round loss highlighted a gap between the Sixers and the top teams in the East.