The Sixers have begun the process of finding a replacement for team president Rod Thorn, according to a report in the Philadelphia Daily News.
The 71-year-old Thorn earlier this month denied speculation that he is retiring (see story), but according to the report, the team doesn't expect to be able to replace him immediately. The process could take up to a year. The group conducting the interviews consists of owner Josh Harris, CEO Adam Aron, coach Doug Collins and Thorn himself.
The three-year deal Thorn signed in 2010 includes a provision that would allow him to become a consultant for five years after its expiration. If, according to the report, the Sixers were able to find a replacement soon, then Thorn would become the consultant at that point.
The report cites several candidates, based on league sources: San Antonio vice president of operations Danny Ferry, Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey, former New Orleans Hornets GM Jeff Bower, Oklahoma City assistant GM Troy Weaver, Atlanta GM Rick Sund and Milwaukee GM John Hammond.
Sund's contract expires at the end of the month, and Hammond, an assistant coach with Collins with the Pistons, has one year left on his.