Sixers GM Daryl Morey Wasn't Impressed By The Trade Acquisitions Of His "East Competitors"

As far as NBA GMs go, Daryl Morey is a one of one, having pioneered an analytics-driven approach to roster construction. With so much player movement on the week of the trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers GM watched other teams carefully even as he orchestrated moves of his own.

Apparently, Morey wasn’t impressed by the ball clubs within his own conference.

“Folks have speculated on the improvements of our East competitors. I don’t see it, personally,” he said at a media availability last week. “I think all the teams made moves at the deadline, but there weren’t any needle movers in my opinion.”

Was this Morey’s honest opinion? A bit of GM trash talk? A subtle rah-rah speech designed to make his team feel good?

While the “needle movers” comment may have some merit, as Giannis Antetokounmpo ended up staying in Milwaukee, it’s interesting to note that Morey refuses to acknowledge any “improvement” made by other Eastern Conference teams. Last week, there were at least two squads out in the East that significantly upgraded their rosters; now, these teams are arguably even bigger threats to the Sixers’ hopes of going deep into the playoffs.

The biggest splash made by an Eastern Conference franchise belongs to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Moving on from Darius Garland, a former All-Star who can’t shake off toe issues, the Cavs swung a deal to acquire former MVP James Harden. Ironically, Morey first gained notoriety as a GM when he built a playoff powerhouse in Houston with Harden as the centerpiece. Morey looking right past his former franchise player is an interesting choice, to say the least.

Then, there’s Charlotte, a team that has caught fire by winning nine consecutive teams. Last week, the Hornets raised their playoff ceiling by adding spitfire guard Coby White, who has been torching the nets with the Chicago Bulls since the back end of last season. The Sixers (30-22) have a safe distance from the Hornets (25-28) for now, but a losing streak here and there could close this gap before the postseason begins.

Morey has more than enough reason to have confidence in his own roster: Joel Embiid continues to post stellar numbers when healthy, VJ Edgecombe is living up to the hype of being a top-3 pick, and Tyrese Maxey has been named to the All-Star team once again. However, the Sixers GM can ill afford to be complacent in the unpredictable environment that his team inhabits.

“We like our chances in the East,” Morey told reporters last week.