76ers' Daryl Morey taking 'careful' approach in coaching search - ESPN

CAMDEN, N.J. — Joel Embiid was shocked the 76ers fired Doc Rivers. The NBA MVP had no say in his former coach's fate — and team president Daryl Morey says neither Embiid nor any other player will have a say in the new one.

The 76ers have their share of candidates, many with NBA Finals experience. It's one reason Morey decided to fire Rivers after three straight seasons of second-round exits and search for a proven winner who can lead them to a championship.

Morey said he was excited about the talent pool — Nick Nurse, Mike Budenholzer and Monty Williams are among the top available names — and would not rush the search.

«We're taking a careful process with the coach,» Morey said Wednesday. «We do not think it will move quickly. We have to be careful with the process word but it is true.»

The next coach will inherit Embiid.

Embiid and James Harden?

Now that's where it gets dicey.

The 33-year-old Harden, wildly inconsistent in the playoffs, is expected to decline the $35.6 million option on his contract and become a free agent. The 76ers have the right to offer Harden a $210 million, four-year deal, $8 million more overall than any other team.

Morey said the 76ers are interested in bringing back Harden.

But what if Harden wants to play elsewhere? The 76ers are prepared for either scenario. Morey said Plan A was signing Harden. Plan B was «having to get creative» about replacing the 10-time All-Star while still keeping the team among the best in the East.

«There's like 26 teams that would rather have our roster,» Morey said. «We're starting with the MVP of the league. The draft lottery yesterday was hoping to get a top pick to hope that player becomes as good as the MVP of the league. We're starting in a great spot.»

Embiid