Thursday, October 1, 2026
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CAMDEN, N.J. — New Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey signaled that the team's "Big Four," including Joel Embiid, remain central to the organization's immediate plans Monday while outlining a collaborative front-office structure and offering new insight into how he plans to lead the franchise.
Questions about Joel Embiid's future were inevitable. Asked directly if the organization is still committed to Embiid moving forward, Gansey’s response will likely do little to dissuade public discourse.
“Obviously, we have Joel. I've had a lot of good conversations with him so far. Excited to meet with him this week, but with him and the roster we have, that's who we have. We have to get those guys on the floor, we have to create an identity and get them to play basketball.”
Gansey acknowledged that Embiid remains part of the Sixers' plans, but stopped short of offering any sweeping declaration about the former MVP's long-term future in Philadelphia.
After missing 45 of 93 games between the regular season and playoffs last year, fair questions remain about the feasibility of building a contender around a part-time star on a max contract. The continued progression of Tyrese Maxey and the emergence of rookie VJ Edgecombe has only added another layer to the organization's long-term planning.
For Gansey, one of the focal points is finding a way to get “the Big Four” — his name for the group of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid and Paul George — on the court together, while adding complementary players to that group to maximize the team’s ability.
The organization seems content in moving forward with its current core, at least entering the offseason. But that’s not entirely up to them and situations change quickly in the NBA, and Philadelphia's long-term outlook could look very different by the trade deadline or next offseason.
“[The Sixers] got swept in the second round, so it's not a championship-caliber team right now, but we're going to work on that.”
The Sixers’ front office structure will be far more of a collaborative effort moving forward than it was under Daryl Morey, as previously reported by Philly Sports Network. Gansey confirmed as much in his presser, describing a collaborative effort, reaching from Sixers managing partner Josh Harris down through the entire organization.
Gansey repeatedly emphasized collaboration throughout the organization while also making clear that he will oversee basketball operations on a day-to-day basis.
“I'm the day-to-day President of Basketball Operations. Me and my group, who are a great group, we're going to work together, but it's just like every front office.”
The role of Bob Myers moving forward has been a recurring topic of conversation throughout the city. Gansey referred to him as “ an extension of ownership with Josh [Harris],” but also stated that the front office will “go through [Myers and Harris], and that the organization would “be in alignment” on their moves, mentioning head coach Nick Nurse as another person to be involved moving forward.
Gansey referred to Myers as a ”cheat code,” and said that having someone of his pedigree who he can “call anytime” he wants is “pretty special.”
Myers’ influence will be present moving forward, especially in potential major moves and as called upon by Gansey. While he is the President of Sports overall all of the organizations under Harris Blitzer, including the Washington Commanders, Myers' background is in basketball, making his involvement a logical one. Myers’ involvement in the front office has caused some to wonder how much autonomy Gansey possesses in this role. The burden will be on that tandem to avoid reinforcing concerns about too many voices at the top.
“This is the world that I came from, that I probably have the most experience in, So, naturally, I'd probably be able to give more input in the NBA space, just having been around it for so long” Myers said after Gansey’s press conference.” But I think really just as much as required, being here at the draft, being here on the trade deadline, free agency, things like that. But also going to games… just being supportive for Mike and the whole staff, Nick, and everyone… I will do whatever is required to support Mike to help him make decisions and try to get this team to where we all want it to go.”
More: Sixers promote Jameer Nelson to Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations
The most revealing answer of the day came when Gansey described his responsibilities in Cleveland.
Gansey was credited with certain successes in Cleveland, but his exact role had some mystery, as Cavaliers lead executive Koby Altman was and remains the team’s clear decision-maker. When asked of his specific role under Altman, Gansey mentioned that he was fortunate, as Altman gave him a number of opportunities to operate in his role.
“I did all the day-to-day,” Gansey said. “I was talking to players, did all the agents, collaborating with any coach, I mean, Kenny [Atkinson] and I had a great relationship, we talked every day, and obviously, deal with ownership, so I haven't been the number one guy, but I've been, right there with Koby.”
Those opportunities, which primarily revolved around player personnel and evaluation, included a critical role in the team’s draft process.
“I ran the draft in Cleveland,” Gansey said, explaining his previous role. “I was really big on the player personnel and evaluation, but I'm a connector. I think I've built relationships with everyone in the building, all the way from our star player to the janitor. I have an open-door policy, people come to me, ask questions, but we're going to have alignment throughout the whole building. Me and Nick [Nurse] are going to collaborate every day, Jameer [Nelson], Prosper [Karangwa], our whole staff, all the coaches, players, like it'd be a great environment to be in Philly.”
Gansey has notably been credited for Cleveland’s additions of Max Struss, Sam Merrill and the drafting of Jaylon Tyson in addition to a number of undrafted free agent success stories. That type of success on the margins will be critical for Philadelphia, considering their current standing in the league and limited options moving forward.
Nurse's inclusion among Gansey's key collaborators is noteworthy. New lead executives often prefer to hire their own coach, yet Nurse remained in place following Daryl Morey's departure. Gansey seemed to have no issues with the decision, claiming to be excited to work alongside Nurse, who was once his coach in the NBA’s Developmental League.
The Sixers head coach historically has the backing of the franchise’s star in Tyrese Maxey, and clearly has the support of the new front office leader as well.
Gansey's first major decision will come later this month at the NBA Draft, where the Sixers hold significant flexibility. Bob Myers acknowledged the Sixers’ theoretical flexibility in that they are open to moving up, down, or even out of the draft completely if the trade nets them the right player. Those decisions will be placed largely on Gansey, while Myers, Nelson, Elton Brand and other signature faces in the front office will add to the decision-making process.
It’s worth noting that the organization brought in an outside mind who played a significant role in Cleveland’s draft strategy while also retaining a number of internal front office members who were heavily involved in their own draft process. How they will meld moving forward will be noteworthy.
Whether Philadelphia moves up, down or out of the draft entirely, the decisions made over the coming weeks will offer the first glimpse into the direction of the franchise under its new front office leader.
MORE: Sixers free-agent targets: 3 under-the-radar options for Philadelphia
