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Philadelphia 76ers: 4 things we learned from The Process

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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 09: Jahil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 9, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 09: Jahil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 9, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Mistakes Will Happen

While the Philadelphia 76ers are in a much better place than they were in 2013, that doesn’t mean that every step of the way was smooth. The biggest misfire was drafting Jahlil Okafor 3rd overall in the 2015 draft, over Kristaps Porzingis, who went one pick later.

Okafor cannot seem to stay on the floor because of his defense, while Porzingis has become a special player. The Sixers doubled down on this mistake by trading the better player in Nerlens Noel (who was taken nine picks ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo!) and holding onto Okafor too long.

The other big problem was the Sixers kept taking guys that were injured. While the picks like the injured Embiid were the right picks, the losses piled up more than they needed to and alienated the fan base. Any future team looking to engage in the process needs to be ready to make some mistakes to get where they want to be.