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Denver assistant Melvin Hunt interests the Sixers

The 76ers are considering talking to Denver assistant Melvin Hunt about their coaching job, but they might have to fend off the Nuggets.

The 76ers are considering talking to Denver assistant Melvin Hunt about their coaching job. (Mark Duncan/AP file photo)
The 76ers are considering talking to Denver assistant Melvin Hunt about their coaching job. (Mark Duncan/AP file photo)Read more

The 76ers are considering talking to Denver assistant Melvin Hunt about their coaching job, but they might have to fend off the Nuggets.

Denver is believed to be interested in promoting Hunt to replace George Karl, who was fired last week, league sources said Monday.

"The Sixers have not formally made contact to begin the process, but there has been some talk through the back channels," a source said.

The Sixers have not sought permission from the Nuggets to speak with Hunt, according to the source. However, the source said part of the reason for this could be that the Nuggets are without a general manager. Masai Ujiri, this season's NBA executive of the year, left his job as Denver's GM to take a more lucrative position in Toronto.

Hunt, 43, interviewed with Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie for a job as associate head coach in Houston three years ago. Hunt was a scout and assistant coach with the Rockets from 1999 to 2004.

He also was an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers for one season and the Cleveland Cavaliers for five before he joined Denver's staff.

Although Karl did not designate titles to his assistants, Hunt was believed to be the top aide on his staff.

Doug Collins resigned as Sixers coach April 18. He will remain with the team as an adviser.

Miami Heat assistant David Fizdale, who said he has not been contacted by the Sixers, was also reported to be under consideration for the job.