Report: Stern involved in 76ers' hiring of Colangelo

The Philadelphia 76ers hope to change their fortunes with the recent hiring of Jerry Colangelo as chairman of basketball operations.

As the franchise's historical on-court ineptitude advanced into its third season, various forces around the league were compelled to step in to stop the proverbial bleeding.

Former NBA commissioner David Stern helped introduce his longtime friend in Colangelo to the Sixers' ownership, according to NBA.com's David Aldridge, who didn't specify the exact nature of Stern's involvement.

This wouldn't be the first time the retired head honcho made his presence felt in staffing teams at their highest ranks. Stern lobbied New York Knicks owner James Dolan to hire Donnie Walsh in an attempt to expedite the franchise's recovery process following years of failure, internal turmoil, and controversy.

Earlier reports indicated that other NBA team owners implored commissioner Adam Silver to intervene, highlighting the league-wide concern over the Sixers' prolonged - and possibly intentional - futility.

Silver and Sixers owner Josh Harris "pleaded (Colangelo) for some help," the four-time NBA Executive of the Year admitted during an interview Wednesday on "Bickley & Marotta."

Sixers GM Sam Hinkie's "process" has never been under heavier scrutiny now that the no-nonsense Colangelo has a say in the organization.

With supporters in the highest of places - Stern included - it shouldn't be long before the basketball lifer begins putting his imprint on the team.