Report: 76ers to hire Grizzlies executive Ariana Andonian as VP of Player Personnel

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Photo credit: Zach Ciavolella

The Philadelphia 76ers have undergone a summer of change, making notable roster additions like Paul George and Caleb Martin while parting ways with longtime starter Tobias Harris. That change goes beyond the hardwood, however, as the team is now reportedly set to add a fresh face to its front office.

Philadelphia is reportedly bringing in former Memphis Grizzlies Director of Player Personnel Ariana Andonian to become the franchise’s new VP of Player Personnel, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

Beginning her NBA career in Houston as a scouting coordinator, Andonian is the latest Morey-era Rocket to be added to the 76ers organization. During Andonian’s time in Houston, she notably highlighted former Sixer Matisse Thybulle to Daryl Morey as a prospect ahead of the 2019 NBA Draft if he fell to the second round.

After a year-long stint with Duke University as a Player Personnel Consultant, Andonian’s success brought her to Memphis, where she worked with the Grizzlies for over four years. Initially, Andonian served as the team’s senior manager of Player Personnel before becoming their Director of Player Personnel during the 2022 offseason.

The Memphis Grizzlies have seen mixed results in their scouting—as is the case for all NBA teams. Still, they certainly have their fair share of successes since Andonian joined their franchise, including Santi Aldama—a potential trade target for the 76ers, Vince Williams, and most recently Gregory Jackson, all selected with the 30th pick or later.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Gina Menzel, the 76ers’ current VP of Player Personnel, Prosper Karangwa, will remain with the team with the same title but “with different focuses.”