Boston Celtics assistant GM Mike Zarren has emerged as a potential candidate for the Philadelphia 76ers open GM position, according to Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated. Remarkably, the Sixers pulled off last week's blockbuster deal involving Andrew Bynum and Andre Iguodala without a general manager. Danny Ferry, Jeff Bower, and Tom Penn were three names rumored for the position, but Zarren is a new and relatively unknown candidate. Amick reports that it could now be between Bower and Zarren:
Boston Celtics assistant general manager Mike Zarren is a serious candidate for the Sixers general manager position, sources with knowledge of the search told SI.com.
With incumbent Rod Thorn expected to transition to a consultant role once his replacement is found, the Sixers were reportedly deciding between former Portland assistant general manager and ESPN analyst Tom Penn and former New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower. Penn was considered the frontrunner just weeks ago, but sources say his candidacy has taken a serious hit while Zarren and Bower continue to jockey for the job.
Zarren's reputation is as an advanced stats wiz, which would likely be a departure from Thorn's philosophy. But with Doug Collins and company in win-now mode with Bynum in the fold, the position has become much more appealing.
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