Mike Gansey’s career started in Cleveland. Here’s how that experience will inform his role as Sixers president of basketball operations.
Gansey helped build the Cavaliers into a contender as a member of the franchise's front office for 15 years, most recently serving as general manager and running the team's draft.
During his introductory press conference, new 76ers president basketball of operations Mike Gansey detailed his journey to Philly, explaining the role he played in the Cleveland Cavaliers front office for more than a decade as he climbed up the organization’s ranks.
Gansey most recently served as Cleveland’s general manager, but he has worked in a number of roles since joining the organization in 2011. A native of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Gansey took some time to thank the franchise on Monday.
“Cleveland has been home for me, and leaving that special group was not an easy decision at all,” Gansey said on Monday. “I have nothing but gratitude and admiration for the Gilbert family, [president of basketball operations] Koby Altman, [coach] Kenny Atkinson, the players and everyone with that organization that have helped me personally and professionally.”
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Promoted to general manager in 2022, Gansey helped build the Cavaliers into a contender. The team traded for franchise cornerstone Donovan Mitchell during Gansey’s first season as the team’s GM. Then, after finding minor playoff success despite impressive regular-season finishes, the Cavaliers made another splashy move. Cleveland traded two-time All Star Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden, forming a new backcourt between the former MVP and Mitchell.
After winning 52 games this season, the Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.
On Monday, Gansey explained his role with the Cavaliers and the part he played in major moves: “I did all the day-to-day. Talking to players, the agents, collaborating with any coach. I mean, me and Kenny [Atkinson] had a great relationship, we talked every day. … I haven’t been the number one guy, but right there with Koby, and Koby put a lot on my plate. I was very fortunate to be able to work as much as I did.”
The Harden move, in particular, has given some Sixers fans and analysts pause. Harden, who played two seasons in Philadelphia before requesting a trade, struggled against the Knicks in the playoffs, averaging just 16 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the four-game series. On Monday, Gansey did not offer much insight about the team’s acquisition of the 36-year old.
“Obviously I was in those conversations,” Gansey said. “I was involved, but you know, James is with another team now. So you know, ten days ago I could have answered every question you had on James, but he was great for us.”
When asked further about his major responsibilities in Cleveland, Gansey shared that he “ran the draft,” playing a major role in “player personnel and evaluation.” Since 2022, when he took over as the team’s GM, the Cavaliers have drafted a few key role players. Namely, Cleveland selected guards Jaylon Tyson in 2024 and Tyrese Proctor in 2025, who both contributed to the team’s success this past season. The Sixers have the 22nd pick in this year’s upcoming draft. Bob Myers, president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, told reporters that while he did not know Gansey personally before the interview process began, he was more than familiar with his resume.
“[Gansey is] a great guy, he’s well respected,” said Myers, who led the search. “I [did not] know if he’d leave Cleveland, the only place he’s ever been. I think Cleveland’s done a good job, obviously, in the LeBron [James] era and then climbing back up out of that. They made a lot of good decisions.”
After playing basketball professionally overseas, Gansey’s first role with Cleveland was as a basketball operations seasonal assistant. From there, he willed his way up the organization via the team’s G-League affiliate. He served in a multitude of roles with the Cleveland Charge, being named the 2016-17 G League Executive of the Year prior to being named Cavaliers assistant GM the following year.
“I was there for 15 years, worked my way up: intern to GM, and I give Koby all the credit and the Gilbert family,” Gansey said. “They let me do my thing, I had a ton of responsibilities. Nowadays, when people can be a G League GM, I think that’s a huge stepping stone in their career, and I was able to do that. And it helped me when I became assistant GM all the way to GM.”
Gansey said he maintained an “open-door policy,” meaning he was available to anyone in the organization. He noted he built relationships “all the way from our star player to the janitor,” and he hopes to do the same in Philly.
“We’re gonna have alignment throughout the whole building. You know, me and Nick [Nurse] are gonna collaborate every day, Jameer [Nelson], Prosper [Karangwa] — our whole staff, all the coaches, players. It’s going to be a great environment to be in Philly. I’m big on having fountains, not drains in the building.”