Despite report, Stefanski hasn’t met with Raptors

Despite reports that he was a finalist for the position, Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski hasnt yet interviewed for the Toronto Raptors vacant general manager position, according to a source.

Stefanski, who has been granted permission to speak with other teams, is expected to interview with the Raptors sometime in the next few weeks, however. Of course, since the NBA lockout is expected to drag on throughout the summer, theres no rush to fill vacant management positions.

The Sixers GM may very well wind up in Toronto, as he has ties to the organization. The Raptors, who are in the midst of rebuilding their leadership, hired coach Dwayne Casey on June 21. Casey was the runner-up to Eddie Jordan when Stefanski embarked on a search for a new Sixers coach two summers ago.

Raptors president Bryan Colangelo had up to this point also assumed the role of general manager, but has decided to hand over the second hat to someone new. Perhaps working in Stefanskis favor is that theres already a Philadelphia flavor in the Raptors new staffCasey has hired former Sixers coach Johnny Davis as an assistant coach, as well as scout Tom Sterner, who worked with the Sixers last year.

If he doesnt land in Canada, there are other possibilities for Stefanski. The New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers are also searching for general managers.

As has been widely reported, Comcast-Spectacors sale of the Sixers is expected to receive approval from the NBAs Board of Governors sometime in the late summer or early fall. At that time, Comcast Spectacor will relinquish control of the team. It is believed Jason Levien, one of the teams four new investors, will assume the role of president, which is currently occupied by Rod Thorn. Under him is Stefanski.

And as the saying goes, threes a crowd.