Sir Charles in Charge
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Philadelphia 76ers: 4 things we learned from The Process

By Julian Green

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 30: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after dunking against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 30: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after dunking against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

If you’re tanking, don’t say you’re tanking

While transparency is something that people usually value, it is not the best to be transparent in every situation. NBA teams have been silently tanking for decades. The Spurs did it to be in position for Tim Duncan. The Cavs did it to get LeBron. Hell, at least eight other teams tanked a season or two during Hinkie’s run. The thing is, no one had ever really verbalized it. At least not as clearly as Sam Hinkie.

Hinkie made it clear as soon as he took over that the team would try to lose as many games as possible for high draft picks, until they felt like they had their franchise player. While it was met with immediate push back, the league still sat back and let the process play out. Over time, the losses piled up and Hinkie (being somewhat of a recluse) did not speak to the media enough to curve some of the criticism.

If Hinkie had gone about his business like a normal tanking GM, there would be a much higher chance he would still with the team. Letting everyone know they were losing on purpose made it easy for the frustrated fans and media to make him the scapegoat.