Philadelphia 76ers fans were asked to “Trust the Process” during a multi-year rebuild. They could now be on the brink of another rebuild altogether. Here are six moves that hindered the success of “The Process.”
The 2012-13 Philadelphia 76ers finished 34-48 and missed the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Head coach Doug Collins resigned after the end of the season. Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner, and Spencer Hawes were coming off their age-24 seasons.
Enter Sam Hinkie.
The 76ers hired Hinkie as general manager in May 2013. Hinkie was tasked with building the Philadelphia 76ers into a perennial contender. His plan was to acquire as many assets as he could (young players and draft picks) that would turn into one superstar player, maybe two.
Hinkie decided that the best way to carry out his plan was to tank, AGGRESIVELY. Hinkie stripped down the 76ers roster for consecutive years to land high draft picks. As Philadelphia began losing at a historical pace Hinkie stressed patience with his process. He basically told fans to “Trust the Process.”
Fast forward to 2023. The 76ers have made the playoffs in six straight seasons. They have won 50 or more games in four of the last six seasons, two of which were shortened due to the pandemic. The reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, is their franchise player. “The Process” worked to perfection, right?
Not exactly. It may be at risk of completely falling apart.
The Philadelphia 76ers might be the biggest “what if” in the NBA
Yes, the Philadelphia 76ers became a contender in the East but haven’t made it past the Eastern Conference Semifinals in six years, despite being the East’s No. 1 seed in 2021. Nick Nurse is the team’s third head coach in five seasons. Then, there’s the current roster itself.
They still have Embiid, at least for now. James Harden wants out and told the world that 76ers President of Basketball Operations Darryl Morey is a liar. Tobias Harris is a free agent after next season. Tyrese Maxey, the emerging 22-year-old point guard, is a restricted free agent.
Hinkie’s plan made sense but its execution was questionable at times. He resigned in 2016 leaving now former-76ers GM Bryan Colangelo, current GM Elton Brand, and Morey to carry out “The Process.” While the 76ers have had some success, things could have been even better in Philadelphia.
Here are six moves the Philadelphia 76ers may have botched “The Process.”