Report: Sixers Hire Dave Joerger
Wednesday night reports came out on Doc Rivers eyeing candidates to join his staff. Despite being in the mix for a head coaching job, Rivers has added a former head coach to join his staff in Philadelphia.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has reported that Dave Joerger has agreed to a deal to become an assistant coach of the 76ers. Joerger was a frontrunner to become the head coach of the Indiana Pacers but has ultimately decided to work under Rivers.
Joerger will be bringing with him a coaching record of 245-247 in the regular season and 9-13 in the playoffs. His style and previous stops will be a nice addition to Rivers' staff.
Now that Rivers has chosen his lead assistant, this has to beg the question of what happens to Ime Udoka. Udoka has been a name that has floated around in other coaching availabilities. This move could be a sign that his time in Philadelphia has come to an end.
Hiring Joerger to the Sixers' staff is a good move for the Sixers, but Doc Rivers might not be done rounding out his staff. News today of the coaching situation in Los Angeles might have Rivers' eyes on another potential assistant.
It was announced earlier today that Ty Lue has agreed to become the head coach of the Clippers and is bringing in former player Chauncey Billups to be his lead assistant. With that said, Sam Cassell could be another name to potentially join the Sixers.
Cassell worked under Rivers for years with the Clippers and is a former teammate of Sixers' GM Elton Brand. It wouldn't be surprising if Rivers tries to reunite with his old assistant.
Adding another coach to the caliber of Joerger was a good move by the Sixers. Having not one but two former head coaches coming in to bolster the Sixers should be looked at as a positive.
Kevin McCormick is the 76ers insider for 97.3 ESPN and 76ers editor for Sportstalkphilly.com. Follow him on Twitter @KevinMcC973.