NBA Notes: Sixers, Jameer Nelson, Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mavericks

76ers

The 76ers may be looking outside the organization for Daryl Morey’s replacement. But don’t overlook Jameer Nelson.

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, multiple league sources view Nelson as a legitimate candidate to become Philadelphia’s next president of basketball operations following Morey’s exit. Marc Stein previously reported Nelson could be in line for an expanded role, while Jake Fischer noted the former NBA guard has strong support within the organization.

Nelson has quietly built a strong reputation inside league circles. Even though he technically sat behind Morey and GM Elton Brand in the front office structure, Jones wrote that Nelson handled more responsibility than a typical No. 3 executive.

If he doesn’t land the top job now, many around the league believe it’s probably only a matter of time before he’s running a team somewhere.

Meanwhile, Brand confirmed that Cleveland’s Mike Gansey, Portland’s Nick U’Ren, Clippers executive Trent Redden and Timberwolves executive Matt Lloyd are among the external candidates being considered. Atlanta also denied the Sixers permission to interview Hawks GM Onsi Saleh.

Bucks

The Bucks continue operating under the giant offseason cloud hovering over Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Shams Charania reiterated that while Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade, the superstar still believes a fresh start could ultimately benefit both sides.

“Giannis’s stance has not changed,” Charania said.

Until something definitive happens one way or another, that storyline probably isn’t going away.

Mavericks

New Mavericks president Masai Ujiri says the post-Jason Kidd coaching search will be wide open.

Ujiri met with reporters Wednesday and made it clear Dallas plans to explore every possible avenue as it looks for Kidd’s replacement.

“Every stone will be turned over,” Ujiri told reporters. “Whatever is best for this organization going forward is what we are going to look at.”

That could mean experienced coaches, first-timers, college candidates or even international names.

Ujiri pointed to the contrast between this year’s conference finals as proof there’s no single formula for success. The West features two younger coaches. The East features veterans.

He also said he has not yet contacted candidates out of respect for Kidd, adding that the coach’s reported involvement in the Luka Doncic trade was not a factor in the decision to move on.

Instead, Ujiri described this offseason as a “clean slate” moment for the franchise moving forward.