Forget trust the process. For the Sixers, it’s about finding a solution, and Jameer Nelson wants to be part of it.
Nelson reportedly was the primary internal candidate for the president of basketball operations job that went to Mike Gansey. Instead, the Chester native and former St. Joseph’s star was promoted from assistant general manager to executive vice president of basketball operations.
Nelson’s understanding of the current roster, city’s passionate fan base, and media scrutiny is valuable. In past years, he has received job interest from other teams, but he feels “responsibility to help this organization move forward.”
Gansey intends to do the same.
He doesn’t plan on undertaking a major roster overhaul, but rather maximize Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Paul George in the short term. However, it’s no secret that getting those stars on the floor at the same time is easier said than done.
Gansey said the Sixers are not championship caliber as it stands, but he’s looking to bring in players to build that roster.
Maybe he’ll be tapping into his previous experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers to get there.
— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
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Back in Toronto
Don Mattingly was back in Rogers Centre for the first time since the Blue Jay’s 5-4 loss that cemented the Dodgers as back-to-back World Series champions.
With more than four decades in baseball as a player, manager, and coach, 2025 was Mattingly’s first time being involved in a World Series. He initially planned to retire after stepping away from the Blue Jays as their bench coach this past offseason.
But his path has brought him back to Toronto, this time as the Phillies’ interim manager.
Mattingly trusted ace Cristopher Sánchez, and he delivered in a 5-2 Phillies win.
What we’re …
🤔 Wondering: Why did Daryl Morey attend Rittenhouse Chess Club’s Charity Blitz tournament after parting ways with the Sixers?
⚾ Reminiscing: About Larry Bowa recalls Philly’s 1976 All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium on the Phillies Extra podcast with Scott Lauber.
🏈 Learning: How Chris Kuper plans to lead the Eagles offensive line after replacing Jeff Stoutland as offensive line coach.
📖 Reading: The NCAA outdoor track and field championship begins this week. Here’s what to know about Penn’s four qualifiers.
Latest rumblings
General manager Danny Brière met with 50 players at the NHL scouting combine, including Blake Zielinski, a native of Berlin, Camden County, who grew up a diehard Flyers fan.
The Flyers have just five picks over seven rounds in the draft, and while the prospects met with front office staff and went through the gauntlet of fitness testing, the week in Western New York also is a chance for general managers to chat with each other and agents.
Here’s some key notes to know about the Flyers’ free agency, who they met, and more.
Long-cherished dream
Ten years ago, Christian Pulisic, who was born in Hershey, came to Philadelphia as a U.S. men’s national team player during the Copa América Centenario. He’s now on the cusp of one of soccer’s rarest privileges: playing in a World Cup on home soil.
The 27-year-old star is still very much an American poster boy — even as the sport has grown so much that he’s no longer the only one. Though, his age is a soccer player’s prime, and it’s right on time for the biggest stage of his life.
David Murphy’s take
Gansey’s first news conference as the Sixers president of basketball operations offered little detail about the team’s path forward. All of this was to be expected.
Sam Hinkie’s biggest problem wasn’t The Process itself. It was his explicit acknowledgment of it. Daryl Morey was ultimately defined by his unabashed and steadfast belief in the power of veteran superstars rather than his draft night successes.
Gansey, meanwhile, didn’t say much. That might be for the best, writes columnist David Murphy.
What you’re saying about the World Cup
We asked: What game or team are you looking forward to watching in the World Cup? Among your responses:
Spain — if Lamine Yamal is healthy, this is their year. — Richard V.
Of course, it’ll be Team USA, with its four Union homeboys, but I’ll also be following Harry Kane and England, as well as France, the team I think will win, and Curaçao, because why not? — Joel G.
USA all the way. The deepest run they have made in the modern era was the quarterfinals in 2002 24 years ago. Can they do it? I will have to ask my Jr. College Hall of Fame soccer coach friend Mike. — Everett S.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, David Murphy, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Ryan Novozinsky, Jonathan Tannenwald, Jackie Spiegel, Conor Smith, and Owen Hewitt.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Thanks for spending another morning with me. Have a terrific Tuesday. — Bella
