There have been multiple reports about an alleged disconnect between the players and coach Darvin Ham. Ham called out the fans for their lack of patience, even though we’ve almost reached the midpoint of the season.

It’s not unusual to see LeBron James lose his cool with his coaches and lose his confidence in them. Not many people have managed to stay in charge of James’ teams for more than a couple of years throughout the course of his career.

NBA Rumors: Potential Lakers Coaching Candidates

It’s more than evident that some people within the locker room are frustrated with Darvin Ham, and let’s not even get started with the fans. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at three potential candidates who could take the reins of the team if he’s fired at some point in the season.

3. Mike D’Antoni

Mike D’Antoni will always be a candidate whenever a head coaching job becomes available. He’s too experienced to be sitting on a bench as an assistant coach, and we all know he’s one of the best offensive minds in the game.

This team could definitely use some offensive uptick and spark. They’re too stagnant on half-court sets, and their offense goes dry way too often, especially from beyond the arc. Their defense could be a concern, though.

2. Doc Rivers

Doc Rivers didn’t get another chance to coach, which is not much of a surprise if you consider how many leads he’s blown in the playoffs. But he still has an NBA championship pedigree and plenty of experience developing culture.

This team lacks accountability, and that’s not going to be an issue with Doc. He’s a respected guy in the league and a ‘player’s coach.’ His rotations could test the fans’ patience, but he’s a proven winner, at least in the regular season.

1. Phil Handy

Phil Handy has plenty of experience with two things: The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James. He’s been a lifelong assistant and clearly has LeBron’s confidence and ear, and that should not be overlooked when pursuing a new coach.

He’s been waiting for his turn for quite a while, and some believe he actually has a stronger presence and voice in the locker room than Ham, so even though he has never run the show, he could be his logical successor.

Unsurprisingly, that was the end of Doc Rivers’ tenure in charge of the team. His teams have underperformed way too many times, and it became evident that he had already maxed out with this organization.

So, now that the Sixers are back in the market for a new coach, there should be plenty of options and candidates looking to draw Xs and Os for Embiid and James Harden. Here, we’ll take a look at three that make sense.

NBA Rumors: 3 Potential Coaches For The Philadelphia 76ers

3. Mike Budenholzer

Mike Budenholzer immediately became one of the prime coach candidates available. He’s a championship-winning coach with a strong pedigree around the league, and his regular-season résumé pretty much speaks for itself.

On the downside, Coach Bud has been outcoached in the playoffs way too many times already. He’s elite at developing a defensive identity and an unselfish offense, but he’s not much of an improvement when it comes to making in-series adjustments.

2. Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell has been waiting for his turn to take the reins for quite a while now. He’s been an assistant coach for the past 14 years, and he’s been a top assistant in the organization for three years straight.

Cassell could give them a sense of continuity while also shaking things up a little, and sometimes that’s all it takes for a team to get over the hump. Of course, he doesn’t have any experience as the main guy, but he’s earned his stripes already.

1. Mike D’Antoni

Mike D’Antoni had the best version of James Harden and made him even better. He turned him into the elite playmaker he is nowadays, and he would be a no-brainer choice if they intend to keep Harden around for at least another season.

D’Antoni is one of the best offensive minds in the game. He’s a proven, bonafide coach, which is more than we can say about most of the guys that are still available at this point in the year. It’s a bit of a gamble but one that could pay off immediately.