Josh Harris

76ers PR

Thursday in South Philadelphia, the 76ers hosted their annual Sixers Youth Foundation Gala.

The result? More than $1.5 million raised for the youth of Camden, Philadelphia, and the Greater Delaware Valley.

“We’re so excited to be able to help Philly,” 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris said at the gala. “We have a lot of history with the city, and with the Sixers and with the Sixers Youth Foundation, we can do a lot of good.&nbsp;

“We’re paying it forward, it’s really exciting. If people hadn’t paid it forward for us, we wouldn’t be here. So it’s our pleasure to give back.”

The gala, which featured a silent auction and performances from the Sixers’ own Danuel House Jr., DJ Jazzy Jeff, and the Sugarhill Gang, reached its fundraising goal well before doors opened.

“I feel so inspired by this organization,” Sixers Youth Foundation Chair Marjorie Harris said. “I think it really allows the whole organization to feel like something bigger.

“It’s been an amazing opportunity for us to really hone in, dig deep, and figure out how to give the kids of this city a great opportunity to do whatever they need to do to succeed.”

The Sixers players, coaches, staff, and ownership were all in attendance.

“We have a lot of people who are invested in these programs, a lot of people who care about kids growing up being able to have access to resources and opportunities,” Shake Milton said. “I think it’s important to continue to try to pour into our youth and pour into the people that are going to be building and leading this country one day.”

Georges Niang sees himself in the young people supported by the foundation’s initiatives.

“Basketball was huge for me growing up,” Niang said. “It was definitely a direct avenue to success for me. So if these after school programs, and everything that they do with this money can help a kid have direction of their own, I would consider that a huge success.”

Reflecting on the evening, Matisse Thybulle was honored to step into a role once served by other professional athletes during his own childhood.

“Often times I forget what it was like to meet an NBA player when I was a kid. We have the opportunity because of our fans to have a platform, so to come back and give back a little bit in small gestures like this, I think, is the least we can do.”

For more information on the Sixers Youth Foundation, visit sixersyouthfoundation.org.

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Sixers Youth Foundation Reaches New Heights at Annual Gala

Through their foundation, Harris Philanthropies, Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partners Josh and Marjorie Harris joined the 76ers in hosting more than 75 youth from underserved areas in Philadelphia, Camden, Chester and Wilmington for a week-long sports and educational camp at Neumann University in Aston, PA. The camp ended on Friday.

In addition to basketball training, the goal of the camp was to enrich the participants off the court as well:

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Josh and Marjorie Harris, 76ers Host Sports and Educational Camp for Local Youth from Underserved Areas

Lauren Rosen

Early Tuesday morning, Joel Embiid signed a multi-year contract extension with the 76ers, marking a long-term commitment to his city.

It’s a commitment he hopes will endure long beyond the confines of the contract.

Coming off an MVP-caliber season, the 27-year-old four-time All-Star reflected on his journey - one that started just over a decade ago.

“I wasn’t even supposed to play basketball,” Embiid recalls. “Starting to play basketball at 16 - it was tough learning. But  I’ve always been willing to want to be better, and improve at everything, in everything that I do.

Drafted third overall in 2014, Embiid was sidelined for his first two NBA seasons due to injury.

That work has paid off. Embiid’s star has risen quickly, and consistently.

After the 2016-17, Embiid was named to the All-Rookie First Team. 

He’s been an All-Star every season since.

Embiid’s extension comes following his best season in the NBA - averaging 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game in the 2020-21 campaign.

Embiid led the league in free throw attempts (10.7) and free throws made (9.2) per game. His 28.5 points per game was the fourth-best scoring average in the league, and his 10.6 rebounds were twelfth-best. 

Embiid is also keenly aware of what his extended presence means for his city, and his fans:

“The fans - they already know how I feel about them. I love them. We have a great relationship. There’s not much I can say because they’ve supported me through ups and downs.”

Since 2014, Philadelphia has been home for Embiid. Now, he sees the city playing an irreplaceable role in many years ahead.

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A Perfect Match | Embiid, Sixers Agree to Multiyear Contract Extension

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From the moment Daryl Morey opened his mouth during Monday's introductory press conference, you could tell the vibes were sincere. 

The former NBA Executive of the Year said he "couldn't believe" he wound up being named the 76ers' new president of basketball operations. 

With Morey in place, Elton Brand locked in as general manager, and Doc Rivers settling in as head coach, the Sixers are feeling good about the future. 

On this episode of The BroadCast, 76ers Insider Brian Seltzer goes one-on-one with Daryl Morey, as a new era officially gets underway. Check out a few excerpts from the interview below.

Brian Seltzer: It feels like there's kind of some familiarity with you coming here. Do you feel that way?

Daryl Morey: "I do, in the sense that I'm sort of a Midwest, Northeast guy. Second, I am happy for Elton and Sam and those who set things up to have Joel and Ben. It's why you go through all the tough seasons. At some level I feel bad. I feel like others have driven the car the whole way and I just need to bring it in at the end. Hopefully we do that. It's a great roster to work with, I love the fans, so I'm excited." 

BS: Did you see yourself being here three weeks after your time in Houston came to an end? 

DM: "I didn't know. I was sort of excited to do it, because some good friends like Sam went through a 'what-am-I-doing-next' period. I was actually sort of looking forward to that. I did not think an opportunity would come along quickly. My good friend Jeff Van Gundy, he left coaching and now 15 years later, he hasn't done something yet. It hasn't aligned for him. To have something align quickly, I was so, so happy. Sometimes when you take a step away, will anyone have interest? You don't know. You just don't know. I was looking forward to that time. My family's angry with me. They were like, 'I thought you were supposed to spend time with us.' I was like, 'Yeah, a good opporutnity came along. Forgive me please.' Luckily they're old enough they can understand something great came along.

BS: I have to believe there's an itch to win burning within you.

DM: "Burning would be understatement. Frankly, I've had the opportunity to get certain accolades, make it to the conference finals, getawards, all this other stuff that doesn't matter. I'm looking only on championship probability. I just feel like I haven't accomplished much unless I can somehow get that done." 

And be sure to subscribe to the 76ers Podcast Network, and search '76ers Podcast Network' wherever you get your pods:

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76ers Podcast Network | The Daryl Morey Interview

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Photos | Daryl Morey Press Conference (11.2.20)

The 76ers Training Complex was buzzing Monday, as Daryl Morey was officially introduced as the Sixers’ new president of basketball operations.

Joined on stage by Head Coach Doc Rivers, Managing Partner Josh Harris, and General Manager Elton Brand, Morey delivered his initial impressions on the team’s roster and expressed excitement for his new position.

Known as one of the brightest minds in the game, Morey said his interest was piqued by the Sixers’ talented young core. Making a move to Philadelphia an opportunity too good to pass up:

“The chance to work with Joel, and Ben, and the roster that Elton had put together - this is a roster that has championship aspirations and can win the championship. You can’t ask for anything more. It’s been a dream come true to be here today.”

Prior to Morey’s 14-season tenure in Houston, he and Rivers worked together in Boston. Morey says he’s looking forward to their reunion, and will work tirelessly to equip Rivers with the best on-court unit possible:

“I think the best way to win in the NBA is to take your talent, and figure out how to utilize them the best. It’s not to take your talent and hammer it into a particular system. It’s to try to get the most out of who you have. It doesn’t take much to look at when Joel is on the floor and healthy... [that] this is an unbelievable defensive team. And...he’s also an extremely good offensive player. Joel is the kind of player you win championships with if you look back at NBA history. Here, Doc is going to take the talent we have and use them to the best of their ability.”

Officially a few weeks into his own tenure in Philadelphia, Rivers reaffirmed his enthusiasm to work with this particular Sixer squad:

“Listen, I think we have a loaded roster, I really do. I love a lot of the guys. I think we’re deep. You have to get in the lab though, and see what we actually have, and find out how we can make it work and fit. And I think it will fit.”

Reflecting on the past month - from Rivers’ hiring, to Morey’s as well - Brand expressed his excitement to work alongside his new colleagues:

“It’s been a whirlwind. Talented execs and leaders and coaches don’t come around that often. So when you get the opportunity to speak with a Doc Rivers - and sell him on the roster, sell him on the City of Philadelphia… When you get a chance to speak to a Daryl Morey - one of the top executives over the last 14, 15 years, to tell him about our city, to sell him on our roster, and what can happen... And then talk about ownership, the way Josh (Harris) is going to step up to make sure that we’re a world class organization, that focuses on championships - it means a lot to have the opportunity to speak to them. For them to come - it means the world. It’s about winning here, and I think the organization is showing that.”

After pulling off a series of major front office acquisitions, Harris said that after a disappointing end to last season, he believes these key additions to the front office will usher in a new and bright era for the organization:

“You have to be self-reflective. When we came out of the bubble, we were self-reflective. It didn’t work last year, and we were disappointed. The minute that they were available, we jumped on it. I think that we’re now really well set up with great leadership, and great people. I think it is a new dawn, and a new era, and I hope it lasts for a long, long time. It will hopefully yield success on the court, and I believe it will.”

In turn, Morey shared his eagerness to work with this group of executives:

“The folks who know me know that I have a very collaborative style. It’s why I was excited when Elton was open to having me join - it’s because I’ve heard the same about him. You make great decisions by having great people who are all working towards the same goal, and not worrying about what title someone is, or what role. The best ideas can come from anywhere - interns all the way up to Elton and I. Our job is to make great decisions, so we’re going to use great people all working together, and use data. Because I think if you have great people, and you have data that gives you the ground truth of what you’re working towards, you’ll make great decisions in draft, trade, and free agency - and that’s the currency of what Elton and I do.”

One of Morey’s next missions? Winning over the Philadelphia fans - who he has admired from the opposing sidelines for years:

“I worked in Boston before, and I’ve heard Philadelphia fans are the best. That’s what I’ve seen on the road when I’ve been here. I’m excited to win you guys over, and I know you guys are going to be tough on me - and you should. I just can’t believe this is happening.”

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Quotebook | Morey Introduced to Philadelphia

Daryl Morey has been named the 76ers' new President of Basketball Operations!

The hiring marks the franchise's second signature addition this offseason, and comes four weeks after the team introduced Doc Rivers as its new head coach. 

Over the past 13 years, Morey served as General Manager of the Houston Rockets, leading the club to the second-most wins in the NBA during that time. He received NBA Executive of the Year honors in 2018.

Listen to 76ers Insiders Brian Seltzer, Lauren Rosen, and Sixers radio announcer Tom McGinnis react to the big news on the latest episode of The BroadCast, from the 76ers Podcast Network.

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The BroadCast | Reaction Pod! Daryl Morey Joins 76ers!

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PHILADELPHIA – NOV. 2, 2020 – Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris announced today that the team has named Daryl Morey as President of Basketball Operations. Morey joins the organization after 14 seasons with the Houston Rockets, 13 of which were spent as general manager. With Morey as general manager, Houston compiled a 640-400 (.615) record, the second-best of any NBA team during that span. Among executives with at least 1,000 games of experience, Morey’s record stands as the fifth-best in league history; a top-five that also includes the likes of R.C. Buford and Jerry West. 

Between 2007-20, Morey’s teams never had a losing season, winning 50-plus games eight times and qualifying for the postseason on 10 occasions. The Rockets’ eight straight playoff appearances, including multiple trips to the Western Conference Finals, represent the longest streak in the NBA. 

In addition, the team announced that General Manager Elton Brand has signed a multi-year contract extension.  

“Daryl Morey is one of the very best front-office executives in the NBA and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Philadelphia as the 76ers President of Basketball Operations,” Harris said. “Talent like Daryl rarely becomes available so we moved quickly and aggressively to bring him here. He has an extraordinary track record of success in this league as an innovator, visionary and leader, and I believe he significantly improves our chances of delivering a championship caliber team to our fans. This offseason, we made it our mission to make this organization better and stronger. By hiring a tremendous front-office leader in Daryl and championship coach in Doc, as well as extending Elton, we’re proud of what we’ve assembled. I’m excited for their leadership and look forward to continuing to build a team this city and our fans can be proud of.”   

Over the years, Morey played a part in bringing several All-Star-caliber players to Houston through trades and free agency, including James Harden, Kyle Lowry, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. In 2017-18, Morey earned Executive of the Year honors, while Harden was named MVP, following a franchise best 65-17 regular season. 

“Thank you to Josh Harris for the trust he has placed in me to lead the 76ers. I am humbled by the challenge and will work tirelessly to win the hearts of Philadelphia's legendary fans,” Morey said. “The opportunity to work again with Doc Rivers, Elton Brand, and a stacked roster that is ready to win made this a can't miss opportunity.” 

Prior to joining the Rockets as assistant general manager in 2006, Morey served three years as SVP Operations for the Boston Celtics. Originally from Ohio, Morey is a graduate of Northwestern University and also holds an MBA from MIT where he serves as the co-chair of the school’s annual Sports Analytics Conference.  

“I appreciate the confidence Josh Harris and this organization have shown in me with this extension,” Brand said. “From the moment I arrived in Philadelphia, my goal has been to find a way to bring a championship to this city and our fans. I love this city, I love our fans and I will do whatever it takes to help this franchise succeed. This offseason, this organization has added two of the most respected and accomplished leaders in the NBA – Daryl Morey as President of Basketball Operations and Doc Rivers as Head Coach - and I’m excited to work and grow with this group.” 

Brand was named general manager on Sept. 20, 2018 and has spent the past two seasons in his current role. Under Brand, the 76ers have compiled a 94-61 (.606) regular-season record and twice qualified for the postseason.  

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Team Names Morey President of Basketball Operations

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