Why Sixers Fans Still Need to Trust the Process

Trust the process is what the Sixers cornerstone Joel Embiid tweeted, minutes after Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie traded away Michael Carter-Williams and K.J. McDaniels to contending teams for valuable draft picks and Isaiah Canaan. Hinkie trended on Twitter as turmoil erupted. Casual fans and most of all the national media, paused in a baffled manner, then resumed their day in disarray and laughter.

Supposed basketball guru — and Philly native — Stephen A. Smith told 97.5 The Fanatic that the trades did not make much sense. The situation left Stephen A. in question of Hinkie’s plan to build a championship caliber team and make the Sixers relevant again from a national standpoint. It also left Syracuse head coach, Jim Boeheim, questioning Hinkie’s decision to trade one of his former players that stood out widely in the March Madness tournament. Lest forget that this is the NBA and not the NCAA, but alright.

Though, Carter-Williams and McDaniels became a good part of the city and carried themselves professionally. Still, Hinkie noticed limited potential in both players as he dealt them, compensating McDaniels’ expiring contract and the seldom opportunity to select another possible superstar in the Draft.

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It is amazing to reminisce of the years Philly rebuilt time and time again because Hinkie is replicating that formula to acquire, not only assets, but stars through the draft. The analytic brainiac, unexpectedly traded Jrue Holiday, K.J. McDaniels, and MCW to find and mold the next superstar. The Sixers could not do much else without a superstar, besides fall in or out of the Draft lottery.

Before Sam Hinkie, the Sixers were a middle of the pack team, clawing to reach the playoffs and add organizational value. Now the 76ers are poised to draft a feasible superstar and appeal top free agents with cap flexibility and bright luxury. Hinkie told the Fanatic that he did not reach this point of time to sit on his hands as he has the vision to make history and surpass his former colleague, Daryl Morey.

Feb 20, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) during warmups prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It took time for Morey to acquire a superstar in James Harden, but he easily obtained him off his trap to lure Jeremy Lamb and a draft pick to Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Morey took a simplistic approach, while Hinkie, is taking far more of an intricate path to grab a superstar and win the confidence of Sixers owner Joshua Harris. Hinkie is rolling out a diverse plan that means stockpiling draft picks, developing players, trading assets, and building long-term success.

Hinkie does not spend his time worrying about comments remarked by Stephen A. or Boeheim. What is difficult for media skeptics to comprehend anyways. Hinkie’s main goal is to build a long-awaited championship roster that every teams strives. He and his analytic team oddly enough track down every stat held in practice, warm ups, and game time. Hinkie and Brett Brown are the last ones to exit Wells Fargo Center as they access each player’s performance between practice and game time.

“Sam Hinkie watches more basketball than anyone I know and he is on the road constantly.” ~Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey

Morey told Pablo Torre of ESPN, Hinkie watches more film than likely anyone. His finger is on the pulse to bring Philadelphia if not one, multiple championships. Philly fans fret over the long-term condition of Embiid but with a stockpile of valuable draft picks and free agency, there is always a back up plan for the analytic brainiac to fall back on. A championship roster does not happen overnight so be patient and trust the process everyone.