76ers promote Tony DiLeo to general manager

The 76ers have decided to promote Tony DiLeo to general manager, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

The Inquirer reported last week that the Sixers, who had interviewed multiple candidates from outside the organization, were seriously considering promoting DiLeo to the position. An official announcement could come from the team as early as this afternoon.

DiLeo was a finalist earlier this summer for the Portland general manager's job, which went to former Los Angeles Clippers general manager Neil Olshey.

DiLeo has been a part of the Sixers basketball operations department since the 1990-91 season. Most recently, before assuming his current position with the club, DiLeo took over for fired coach Maurice Cheeks after the Sixers began the 2008-09 season 9-14.

Thorn is in the last year of his contract with the team. It is believed that Thorn will serve the final year on his deal with the team and then move into a consulting position for the team. At that time, DiLeo will move into Thorn's spot and assume the position's full responsibilities.

According to team sources, Sixers majority owner Joshua Harris became very impressed with the way DiLeo handled himself alongside Thorn as the Sixers reshaped their roster this summer. Before the team showed any interest in promoting DiLeo, the Sixers interviewed three other candidates. The group included Boston assistant general manager Mike Zarren, who withdrew his candidacy, ESPN analyst and ex-Portland Trail Blazers assistant general manager Tom Penn, and former New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower.