The pool of prospective coaches from which the 76ers look to hire their new coach was reduced again on Sunday when the Sacramento Kings selected former Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Malone.
The 41-year-old Malone, who replaced Keith Smart, spent the last two seasons as the top assistant to Mark Jackson. Malone is the third coach to be hired recently who was at one time or another believed to be high on the Sixers’ list.
Of course, that list was linked with Tony DiLeo, who was replaced as president of basketball operations on May 10 by new general manager Sam Hinkie.
Since Hinkie, a former executive with Houston, came on board, the Sixers have asked for permission to speak with Rockets assistant coach Kelvin Sampson, and they have been linked to Chris Finch, also a Houston assistant.
Reported by John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer
