Sixers color commentator Malik Rose to join Hawks as manager of basketball operations

(Photo: Philadelphia 76ers/Flickr)

According to Yahoo NBA writer Marc J. Spears, longtime Philadelphia 76ers color commentator Malik Rose will be leaving the organization to join the Atlanta Hawks in a front office role, as manager of basketball operations.

Spears later added that details are still being 'ironed out', and that Rose's front office role with the Hawks will be 'a little of everything'.

Rose spent four seasons as the Sixers' color commentator. Prior, he worked in the studio for the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, all former teams of his as a player in the league.

The Philadelphia-native and Overbrook High School graduate first gained front office experience when he interned with the organization's business operations department to help form the Delaware 87ers of the NBA Developmental League.

Rose was drafted 44th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. The former power forward spent the majority of his 13-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, where he won two NBA Championships (1999, 2003).

Rose was beloved in Philadelphia for his enthusiasm and knowledge that he brought to broadcasts, and the tandem that grew in popularity featuring him and veteran play-by-play announcer for the Sixers, Marc Zumoff.

Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil took to Twitter Wednesday evening to send Rose his well-wishes:

Back in June, Rose was reportedly offered to join the University of Alabama coaching staff, under Avery Johnson, as a special assistant. Rose denied those rumors, however, through tweeting:

It is not yet known who will replace Rose in the booth next season.

Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is a contributor to Sixerdelphia.com