The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for a hopeful title run after acquiring James Harden at the trade deadline to pair with Joel Embiid. While there have been ups and downs for the Sixers since the star duo joined forces in February, this team still has aspirations to win it all.
However, there is reportedly a belief that Philly could cut ties with head coach Doc Rivers if they ultimately come up short in the playoffs once again like so many years past. With Rivers being linked to the Lakers job, Mike D'Antoni, who coached Harden in Houston when Daryl Morey was GM, is a potential candidate to take over for the Sixers next season.
Via Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report:
Several sources speculate that if the Philadelphia 76ers falter in the playoffs, Mike D'Antoni could get the call to reunite with executive Daryl Morey and All-Star guard James Harden. If so, and as Fischer reported, Doc Rivers could be a viable candidate for the Lakers.
D'Antoni is currently a coaching advisor for the New Orleans Pelicans and was previously an assistant HC for the Sixers in the 2015-16 season. While he's never won an NBA championship, the 70-year-old brings a ton of experience to the table and has been named Coach of the Year on two occasions.
There's no question the Sixers will be looking to make a change if they don't reach their ultimate goal. Mike D'Antoni is certainly a name to keep an eye on as a replacement for Doc Rivers.