Report: Sixers hire Ariana Andonian as VP of Player Personnel

Ariana Andonian has worked with Daryl Morey in the past, and will now join the Sixers after building a strong reputation as Director of Player Personnel with the Grizzlies.

The Sixers’ offseason has been highlighted by an excellent host of free agency signings including the addition of Paul George. Now, after several quiet weeks, we have some front office news as well.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that the Sixers are hiring Memphis Grizzlies Director of Player Personnel Ariana Andonion as a new VP of Player Personnel.

Apart from spending the last four years working up through a Grizzlies front office that has thrived with plenty of smart management and draft performance in recent years, Andonian also worked in the Rockets’ scouting department during Daryl Morey’s time in Houston.

Last month, Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic published a new top 40 under 40 list for young NBA coaches and executives, and featured Andonian with high praise:

Andonian has made a steady ascent through the Grizzlies organization after taking a short sabbatical to get her MBA from Duke (she had started her career with the Houston Rockets). Those who worked with her rave about her attention to detail and scouting acumen.

Prosper Karangwa is already the Sixers’ VP of Player Personnel, but Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice has reported that Karangwa’s role isn’t changing. Instead, the Sixers are just filling out their front office and the two executives will have different focuses.

We’ll likely find out a bit more about what Adonian’s role will entail in time, but for now, hiring an executive who has history with Morey, strong experience with another well-run organization, and clearly a good reputation around the league looks like a wise move.