AI takeover in $4.6 billion NBA organization sets off ex-All Star Gilbert Arenas

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas did not hold back against the 76ers' GM Daryl Morey on the recent segment of Gil's Arena Podcast.

AI takeover in $4.6 billion NBA organization sets off ex-All Star Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas and Daryl Morey

Daryl Morey is among the most divisive personalities in the NBA general manager community. The current general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers is well-known for his analytical style of basketball, which has led to some success but eventually no titles. Morey recently claimed that he uses an AI model when making ‘team decisions.’

This garnered the NBA World’s attention, with many notable personalities having a say. One of them was former NBA player, Gilbert Arenas. He did not agree with Morey’s new strategy to implement AI in his team’s decision-making process. Arenas took a swipe at Morey in the recent segment of his self-titled podcast and also tweeted about the issue.

Did you talk to the AI when PG (Paul George) got hurt at the beginning and then you wasn’t playing Embiid in preseason? Because if AI was smart, he would have told you shut them down right now. Bad year.

Gilbert Arenas said

The Sixers, a team that hopes to win a championship, have had a terrible season. At 23-47, they are six games shy of the Eastern Conference’s final play-in place and have the sixth-worst NBA record.

Joel Embiid, the former MVP, has only played in 19 games this season due to persistent knee difficulties. In his first season with Philadelphia, Paul George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, has also struggled with injuries. So far, Morey’s AI decision-making has not helped his side this season, raising concerns about the approach for the future.

Marcus Morris is not a big fan of Daryl Morey’s AI model

One thing that many know about the 76ers GM, Daryl Morey is that he has a reputation for having a tussle with his former players. For example, James Harden, his former player, accused him of outright lying over two years ago over a disagreement over their contract. Now, another former player, Marcus Morris also opened on Morey and his AI model.

I don’t trust Daryl Morey…Does he even understand the dynamic of Philadelphia? What types of guys can play in Philadelphia…What has he won? He hasn’t won in so long… He’s trying to outsmart the game too much… I’m just not a big fan of that, the AI comments.

Marcus Morris said on the Kevin O’Connor show
YouTube video

Before being shipped off, Marcus played 37 games for his hometown 76ers the previous season. He believed he was playing some nice basketball and helping a competitive Sixers team led by Joel Embiid, and had a strong role on that Philadelphia team, averaging 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

But Morey sent Morris to the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs in a three-team trade. In the end, the forward was waived without ever playing for the Spurs. This eventually left Morris frustrated, who now has a hatred towards the 76ers’ GM.

Sixers projected to have 6th pick in 2025 NBA Draft

The Philadelphia 76ers are anticipated to get the sixth pick in the 2025 draft as of March 23. They must surrender their pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it is outside of the top six protected range.

Joel Embiid is shut down by the Sixers, and there are rumors that Paul George is thinking about having surgery. Getting a high draft pick is the only bright point in their season. Getting a good role player on a rookie contract will be very beneficial for a club that is striving to compete.

However, the Brooklyn Nets have one more loss than the Sixers. The team with the most defeats will receive a higher pick because they are both tied in the season series. The Sixers may potentially get a 5th draft pick if they somehow finish lower than the Nets.

They have a 10% probability of getting the first draft pick in the league despite having the sixth-worst record. After the terrible season, getting Cooper Flagg would be a great early Christmas present for Philadelphia supporters.