Danny Ferry, believed to be the 76ers' top choice to replace president and general manager Rod Thorn, signed a six-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, paving the way for Thorn to remain in his position not only through Thursday's draft but also for the foreseeable future.
Thorn, 71, has one season remaining on his contract. At the end of the contract he will, if he chooses, move into a consulting role with the team, Thorn said last week.
When it was reported last week that Ferry was the front-runner for the position, the perception was that Sixers coach Doug Collins had won what was called a power struggle with Thorn for control in the organization. Thorn later said there was no such struggle.
As for the Sixers, they have slowed their search for a replacement, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. That makes sense, considering that looking for a general manager - especially when one already is under contract - isn't very prudent just days before the draft and free agency.
Ferry, formerly San Antonio's vice president of basketball operations, replaced former Atlanta general manager Rick Sund. Sund's contract with the Hawks expires at the end of this month.
Asked last week whether the Sixers would handle the draft the same way they did last season, with Thorn and Collins providing equal input, Thorn told The Inquirer, "Oh, yeah. We will do it the same way."
Thorn likely will be at the Philadelphia College of Ostepathic Medicine on Tuesday as the team works out Illinois center Meyers Leonard.
- John N. Mitchell
