Former Houston Rockets executive Sam Hinkie was named Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations and general manager on Tuesday afternoon, the team confirmed in an announcement.
Reports circulated for several days that Hinkie, who served as vice president of basketball operations for the Houston Rockets since 2010 and worked in the organization for eight years, had emerged as the Sixers’ choice.
Hinkie replace general manager Tony DiLeo, who had been with the Sixers for 23 years.
“Sam is a proven innovator and holds values that align with those of our ownership group,” Sixers managing owner Josh Harris said. “Sam’s experience, his judgment, and his analytical approach make us confident that he is the right leader to build a foundation for long-term success — with the goal of ultimately contending for a championship — here in Philadelphia.”
Hinkie is known as an expert in analytics. The Rockets relied on extensive data to evaluate the NBA Draft, free-agent prospects, trades and game strategy. Hinkie also was in charge of operations management, the team’s salary camp and scouting.
“Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander hired me to bring a data-driven approach to their front office and general manager Daryl Morey allowed me to flourish,” Hinkie said. “I am so fortunate and grateful for the opportunities they both afforded me.
“I agreed to come lead the Sixers because the first, and to my mind, the most important building block is in place: A thoughtful ownership group committed to building a basketball operation that is data-driven, strategic and relentlessly innovative. The challenge ahead of us is real, but I am invigorated to build something lasting for Philadelphia.”
The Sixers struggled this season, missing the playoffs with a 34-48 record and tied for last place with Toronto in the Atlantic Division.
Sixers coach Doug Collins resigned after the season and Sixers president Rod Thorn also is planning to retire.