Anybody remember the Sixers? Didn’t think so.

Last we saw them they were folding their tent after taking a surprising
2-1 first-round playoff loss to the Orlando Magic, who were playing without star center Dwight Howard.

Up until that point, there was a pretty good chance that Tony DiLeo might have that interim in front of his name erased as the Sixers coach.

Not anymore.

Yesterday, after meeting with the guy he put on the bench after firing Mo Cheeks last December, Sixers GM Ed Stefanski announced there would be someone else directing the Sixers next year.

Actually, DiLeo apparently told Stefanski he wanted to return to his job in the front office. Whether or not he had much choice in the matter is a matter of conjecture.

Stefanski says he has not contacted a single person about the job. He maintains he wanted to sit down with DiLeo before talking to anyone else.

He’s had the sit-down. DiLeo will not be the coach next year.

So who will?

There is a short list of candidates, headed by Eddie Jordan, Avery Johnson and even former Sixer star guard Doug Collins.

But the Sixers need to make a splash, and none of those names will make much more than a ripple.

Of course, there is a name that would make some real waves for the team.
But the smart money says Villanova coach Jay Wright is not about to leave his perch on the Main Line, especially with a returning squad that is likely to be a pre-season Top 10 selection.

Maybe it’s time for Stefanski to make Wright an offer he can’t refuse.

Ever since the Sixers jettisoned Pat Croce, they seemingly have made nothing but wrong moves.

They could change that with a single announcement. The Wright stuff?
Wright on, baby!