GM Daryl Morey does not understand the criticism

Daryl Morey, General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, has no sympathy for much of the criticism that rained down on the franchise after the Sixers were eliminated in the Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks (2-4). “To be honest, I don’t understand a lot of what I read,” said Morey at the conference call at the end of the season.

The fact that Philly, who finished the regular season in first place in the East and lost a high lead in the series against the Hawks several times, is in a bad situation does not correspond to the facts: “I would not have come here if this was a bad situation would.” The same applies to Head Coach Doc Rivers.

“25-26 teams would love to be in our situation with a top MVP-caliber player, a near-all-star, great young long-term players, and good veterans.” Accordingly, there is an excellent basis, but Morey made it clear: “We have to do better, I have to do better, everyone has to do better.”

Morey avoided questions about the future of Ben Simmons, who in the decisive phases, especially offensively, completely disappeared and only put up 19 points in the final three games. Belief in the group is great, but no one can predict the future. “We love Ben. We will do what is best for the 76ers to give us the best possible chance of the championship.”

76ers: defeat “incredibly painful”

Indirect criticism of the Australian, who had the second-worst free throw rate of all time (with at least 50 attempts) in the playoffs (34.2 percent), was nevertheless expressed by Morey: “I think it’s pretty obvious what certain players need to improve.” The defeat against the Hawks is still “incredibly painful”.

There were words of praise for franchise star Joel Embiid, who despite a small tear in the meniscus played a dominant series and got 30.4 points and 12.7 rebounds. “We are all extremely impressed with what Joel was able to do. He is the heart and soul of the team. What he did every night will be cherished forever.” The Big Man will now be examined carefully to see if surgery is necessary or not.