PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey and his team are trying to move forward, but it's hard not to look back.
Morey discussed some of the franchise's off-season plans two days after the Sixers suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of their second round series.
Related
There are a host of questions facing Morey as the Sixers try to figure out what went wrong and what can be done going forward.
For Morey, the second-round loss to the Hawks was also a reality check.
"The reality is the reality," said Morey.
"We didn't do it. Frankly, if we’re squeaking by the second round, that just tells me we’re not, we’re unfortunately not good enough probably to win the title. We need to get better, but that series is still incredibly painful."
It was clearly a painful loss for the fan base as well, and much of their anger has been directed toward Ben Simmons.
The man who is supposedly one of the cornerstones of the franchise came up small in the series against the Hawks.
Many believe a change of scenery would benefit both sides, but Morey would not indicate which way he was leaning when asked about Simmons' future in Philadelphia.
"We have a very strong group we believe in," Morey said.
"None of us can predict the future of what’s going to happen in any place. We love what Ben brings."
Related
Another off-season issue is the health of Joel Embiid. The center played much of the playoffs with a torn meniscus.
The next step is to determine if Embiid will need surgery as the team looks for the best course of recovery to have Embiid ready for the start of the 2021-22 campaign.
"I know they’re going through a full assessment of him right now," said Morey.
"It's the medical staff along with Joel and his very good team of advisors. The next step will be determined from that."
What the next step for the Sixers will be remains to be seen.
Some believe the team needs drastic changes to contend. Others believe the core is there and minimal adjustments need to be made.
Either way, it's shaping up to be a busy off-season for Morey.
"It’s our time right now to go back to the drawing board and figure out what’s next," Morey said.
"I think for the coaches as well, and then for the players as well.”