In Philadelphia, Bob Cooney cited sources as saying that the 76ers are "currently interviewing potential replacements" for President Rod Thorn. Sources said that potential candidates include Spurs VP/Basketball Operations Danny Ferry, Spurs VP & Assistant GM Dennis Lindsey, former Hornets GM Jeff Bower, Thunder Assistant VP & GM Troy Weaver, Hawks GM Rick Sund and Bucks GM John Hammond. The 76ers' interview group consists of Thorn, Owner Josh Harris, CEO Adam Aron and coach Doug Collins. Thorn took a "similar role in identifying his successor" when the Nets hired GM Billy King in '10. Thorn, 71, is entering the final year of his 3-year contract, but the deal he signed in August '10 with then-chairman Ed Snider "included a provision for Thorn to become a part-time consultant for 5 years after his contract expired" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 6/12).
BLAZING THE TRAIL: In Portland, Joe Freeman noted new Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey is still "working out the kinks of his sudden transition into the hot seat of a new franchise." Olshey said Friday, "We are 17 days away from beginning one of the most important Trail Blazers drafts ever." The bulk of the Blazers' front office -- including former interim GM Chad Buchanan, Dir of NBA Scouting Mike Born and Assistant GMs Bill Branch and Steve Rosenberry -- has "two years left on multi-year contracts." Olshey: "I didn’t change anybody at first because I wanted to give everyone an opportunity and everyone deserved an opportunity" (OREGONLIVE.com, 6/10).
NEXT IN LINE? CSNBAYAREA.com's Matt Steinmetz noted Warriors Assistant GM & Dir of Player Personnel Travis Schlenk, who "just completed his eighth season with the team, is being mentioned" as a possible candidate for Clippers GM. The L.A. Times on Saturday listed "about a half-dozen potential GMs to replace Olshey, and Schlenk's name was on that list." The Clippers would have to seek permission from the Warriors prior to interviewing Schlenk, and sources said that "that has not happened" (CSNBAYAREA.com, 6/11).
