NBA Rumors: Sixers have a candidate in mind in case Doc Rivers leaves

This season has been special for the Philadelphia 76ers for a number of reasons. To begin with, they came from aplayoff collapse in the 2020-21 Eastern Conference semifinals, which sparked the months-long saga of Ben Simmons.

The Sixers, however,bounced back with a superb Joel Embiid and the eventual arrival of James Hardento make their way to the 2021-22 NBA playoffs as strong contenders. But the postseasonwilldetermine how much progress they really made.

Philadelphia took care of business against Toronto in the first round, yetMiami will probably be a real test totheir championship hopes. As a matter of fact, the Heat series could play a key role in the future ofDoc Rivers.

The potential replacement of Doc Rivers if he leaves Philly

Themood in Philadelphia seemsgood, butthings could drastically change depending on how they finish the season. Rivers seems to be safe for now, but nobody can guarantee his job securityif the Sixers suffer another disappointing exit. In that case, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report notes that Mike D’Antoni has been cited as a potential candidate to take over.

Mike D’Antoni. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

“Charlotte may be D’Antoni’s best chance to return to the sideline in 2022. He’s been a popular name floated among league personnel as a potential replacement for Doc Rivers in Philadelphia should Rivers or the Sixers decide to change direction at the conclusion of these playoffs,” Fischer wrote.

D’Antoni, a veteran coach with over 1,000 games over two decades in five different teams, is heavily linked with the Charlotte Hornets‘ opening. If he takes that job, then it’s over. But as long as he continues on the market, he mighthave a chance at the Sixers depending on what direction they take.

While Fischeradds that the 76ersstill expect to not interrupt Rivers’ contract – which expiresin 2025 – it remains to be seen how things play out between now and the end of the playoffs. Rivershas alsobeen namedcandidate for the Lakers‘ coaching vacancy, so only time will tell where his future liesnext season.