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Sixers hire longtime NBA shooting coach

The 76ers have hired John Townsend as their new shooting coach, according to league sources. Townsend has been with the team for the last few weeks, working out players. He comes to the Sixers after spending the last two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, serving as director of player development and shooting coach.

The 76ers have hired John Townsend as their new shooting coach, according to league sources.

Townsend has been with the team for the last few weeks, working out players. He comes to the Sixers after spending the last two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, serving as director of player development and shooting coach.

This is Townsend's second time working for Sixers president Bryan Colangelo. Colangelo was the president and general manager of the Raptors from 2006 to 2013 and Townsend worked as Toronto's shooting coach from 2011 to 2014. He also held that post with the Portland Trail Blazers (2007-10), the NBA Development League (2002-07), and the Yakima Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association.

Townsend replaces Gene Burroughs, who will coach the Sixers' D-League team, the Delaware 87ers.

TV coverage

NBA TV will televise the 76ers' Utah Summer League opener against the Boston Celtics at 7 p.m. on July 4. The game could be Ben Simmons' pro debut.