76ers minority owner David Heller reportedly held a significant role in basketball operations while Sam Hinkie ran the front office and again while Brett Brown held the interim lead-executive role after Bryan Colangelo’s ouster. Philadelphia then hired Elton Brand as general manager, and Heller’s role became less clear.
It’s apparently clear now, though.
Yaron Weitzman of Bleacher Report:
David Heller, who bought into the Sixers in 2011 as a limited partner to Josh Harris/David Blitzer, is no longer a part of the team. Heller had been heavily involved in basketball decisions, especially the draft, over previous 8 years. The Sixers confirmed/passed along statement:
— Yaron Weitzman (@YaronWeitzman) June 25, 2019
"We can confirm that David Heller has sold his interest in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). David will always be a friend to this organization. We appreciate his time, effort, energy and partnership "...and wish him well in his future endeavors."
— Yaron Weitzman (@YaronWeitzman) June 25, 2019
I should add I don't at this point have more details on the exact timing of when this happened, or the reason why
— Yaron Weitzman (@YaronWeitzman) June 25, 2019
The 76ers are entering a crucial offseason. Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and J.J. Redick will be unrestricted free agents. Ben Simmons will be eligible for a contract extension. Philadelphia must build out its bench.
How the 76ers make those decisions will shape their team – and trickling down, other teams – for years to come.
A shakeup in Philadelphia’s brain trust is a big deal, though from the outside, we don’t know how ousting Heller will change Philadelphia’s plans.
