Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Daryl Morey

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

How Daryl Morey built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Daryl Morey is an American basketball executive, currently the president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers. He's known for his data-driven approach to basketball, prioritizing three-point shots and layups, a strategy often called "Moreyball." His reliance on advanced analytics has influenced team building and game strategy in the NBA. Morey is a key figure in popularizing analytics in professional sports. He also co-founded the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, a leading event for sports analytics professionals and academics.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1992: Began Career at STATS, Inc.

In 1992, Daryl Morey began his career at STATS, Inc., a sports data firm, where he adapted Bill James' Pythagorean expectation to basketball.

1993: Published Modified Pythagorean Theorem

In 1993, Daryl Morey's "Modified Pythagorean Theorem" was first published in STATS Basketball Scoreboard.

2000: Worked at EY-Parthenon

In 2000, Daryl Morey worked at EY-Parthenon as a principal consultant, focusing on sports strategy.

2002: Joined the Boston Celtics

In 2002, Daryl Morey left EY-Parthenon to become senior vice president of operations for the Boston Celtics.

April 3, 2006: Named Assistant General Manager

On April 3, 2006, Daryl Morey was named the assistant general manager for the Houston Rockets.

May 10, 2007: Named General Manager of the Houston Rockets

On May 10, 2007, Daryl Morey succeeded Carroll Dawson as the general manager of the Houston Rockets.

2012: Acquired James Harden

In 2012, Daryl Morey and the Rockets acquired James Harden via trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2015: Western Conference Finals

In 2015, during Daryl Morey's tenure, the Rockets advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

2017: NBA Executive of the Year

In 2017, Daryl Morey was named the NBA Executive of the Year for his work as general manager of the Houston Rockets.

April 2018: Small Ball Musical

In April 2018, the basketball-themed musical "Small Ball", commissioned and produced by Daryl Morey, opened at the Catastrophic Theater in Houston, Texas.

2018: Named NBA Executive of the Year

In 2018, Daryl Morey was named NBA Executive of the Year. Also in 2018, during Daryl Morey's tenure, the Rockets advanced to the Western Conference Finals.