Coach and GM Fired by 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers fired General Manager Brad Greenberg and Coach Johnny Davis, one day after finishing the season with the third-worst record in franchise history and after each had only one season on the job.

Pat Croce, president and part owner, said he made the decision because he “lost confidence in the management of the basketball operation.”

Specifically, Croce said he had “concerns with the levels of communication, discipline, decision-making and general team morale.”

Croce would not take questions about possible successors.

One candidate who has been mentioned is Kentucky Coach Rick Pitino, who said last week that he has had conversations with Croce, although not specifically about taking over the 76ers. Other possible candidates include Indiana Coach Larry Brown and former Detroit and New Jersey Coach Chuck Daly.

Meanwhile, Brown denied he had decided to resign as coach of the Indiana Pacers, saying he will make a decision on his future within 10 days. Brown called reports that said he would announce his resignation after Sunday’s game “irresponsible.” General Manager Donnie Walsh said he got the feeling that Brown, who has two years left on his contract, wanted to leave.

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Denver Nugget Coach Dick Motta, whose team went 17-52 since he took over early in the season and 21-61 overall, will be fired this week, sources said. Allan Bristow, vice president of basketball operations, is reportedly set to fire former Nugget forward Bill Hanzlik. Hanzlik was Bristow’s top assistant when Bristow coached the Charlotte Hornets.