ChatGPT Graded Daryl Morey’s GM Career — Here's What It Got Right

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A couple of weeks ago, we heard Daryl Morey, the GM of the Philadelphia 76ers, talk about how he integrates AI into all team decisions. Naturally, we decided to let AI evaluate his tenure as the 76ers' GM.

The results were surprising.

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Our Hypothesis: Genius or Glitch?

We started with a hypothesis: Daryl Morey might be the smartest GM in the NBA. His data-driven approach gives him an edge, but in a fluid game like basketball, those same strategies can sometimes limit him. Unlike baseball, basketball is not a stop-and-go sport — you can't script the chaos.

ChatGPT’s Verdict on Morey: Smart, Strategic… and Unlucky

After posing questions to ChatGPT, we concluded a few things. Despite his reliance on analytics, Daryl Morey has had an unlucky career as a high-performing GM in the NBA. Here's why:

1. Great GM: Morey has successfully turned around both the Houston Rockets and the Philadelphia 76ers during his tenure.

2. Bad Luck with Injuries: He has faced significant challenges with player injuries.

3. Tough Competition: Morey was a rising GM in Houston during challenging times, including:

   • The late Kobe Bryant title era

   • The final contending era of the San Antonio Spurs

   • The Golden State Warriors dynasty

Daryl Morey’s GM Report Card, According to ChatGPT

We evaluated Morey's career in eight categories. Here's how he has performed as the 76ers' GM (excluding the 2024–2025 season), according to ChatGPT:

• Draft Picks: B+

• Cap Management: A-

• Trade Outcomes: B+

• Record (Year Over Year): B-

• Coaching Hires: B

• Player Development: B+

• Free Agent Signings: B-

• Overall: B+

The Pattern: Great Teams, Tough Playoff Exits

Morey's teams often end their seasons in heartbreak, usually in the playoffs. Their opponents are typically teams with strong NBA cultures and continuity in coaching or front office — like Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, Gregg Popovich, and the Boston Celtics (coach be damned, this org has culture).

Houston Rockets Playoff Losses:

• 3x to the Golden State Warriors (2015, 2018, 2019)

• 2x to the Los Angeles Lakers (2009, 2020)

• 1x to the Oklahoma City Thunder (2013)

• 1x to the San Antonio Spurs (2017)

• 1x to the Portland Trail Blazers (2014)

• 1x to the Atlanta Hawks (2011)

Philadelphia 76ers Playoff Losses:

• 1x to the Miami Heat (2022)

• 1x to the Atlanta Hawks (2021)

• 1x to the Boston Celtics (2023)

What ChatGPT Can’t Fully Measure: Culture and Chemistry

Before using AI to evaluate Daryl Morey as a GM, we knew him from sports media stories and as the "Billy Beane of the NBA." We didn't ask ChatGPT about culture, continuity, and team chemistry, as those answers might have had a bias that we couldn’t properly evaluate.

However, as casual NBA fans asking simple questions in the 8 categories listed above, it's hard to ignore that team chemistry and culture might be significant challenges for Morey's teams.

Will Morey Win a Title? We Think So

We believe Morey will win a title one day. It will likely be a year of flukes, but if he stays in the game long enough, he'll have one of those years where everyone on his team is healthy — and other teams are plagued with injuries. It’s just a matter of time.

Bonus: ChatGPT’s Suggested Divisions for Morey’s Next Move

Fun fact: We asked ChatGPT which divisions are weakest so Morey could build a division winner — should things not work out with the 76ers.

The answer was amusing. ChatGPT is telling Daryl Morey to go back to Houston.

Southeast Division (East)

The Miami Heat are the only true competitor in this division. The rest are in rebuild mode, making it relatively easy for a well-managed team to dominate.

Southwest Division (West)

While the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks present competition, the division overall has weaker teams — especially with San Antonio and Houston in rebuilding phases.