Who Will Delaware 87ers Hire To Replace Coach Rod Baker?

On Monday, the Philadelphia 76ers revealed their decision to promote Rod Baker, head coach of the affiliated 87ers, to a scouting position with the NBA club.

Although Coach Baker manned the sidelines for Delaware during a year of transition and his record might not have shown it, he's a patient coach with a great handle on developing talent. Having coached on a plethora of different minor league levels over the years, he should have no trouble spotting those previously uncovered gems.

The question now becomes, who will the 87ers hire to succeed Coach Baker?

With open tryouts officially underway and training camp to start early next month, there's a good chance Delaware's decision has already been made. Perhaps this promotion was to be expected.

Either way, it's safe to say the team has (or had) their fair share of qualified candidates. Of course, the likes of both Bob MacKinnon and Will Voigt are two of the better head coaching candidates out there from last season.

But perhaps Delaware would like to promote from within and go with someone who has closer ties to the organization.

If so, Kevin Young might be their man. Coach Young was an assistant for the team last season, after having previously served as the head coach of the Iowa Energy. In 2012, he coached in the D-League All-Star Game.

Former Bakersfield Jam Associate Head Coach John Bryant is also a worthwhile name to consider. Following a successful tenure with the Jam, Coach Voigt and his staff (which included Coach Bryant) were let go after the Suns entered into an exclusive affiliation with the team. Coach Bryant was next found on the 76ers' bench (alongside Coach Baker and Young) during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.