Nov 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie (far left) watches as center Joel Embiid (21) walks out of the tunnel on crutches prior to a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
I’m Alright, Nobody Worry ‘Bout Me
There is no single player who is perfect on this Sixer team right now. But some player skills align very closely to the design of the team. I like the upside of Phil Pressey, and he works well in what little we’ve seen of him. I like the courage of Hollis Thompson. I’m ecstatic over the return of Robert Covington, who is stepping up offensively and defensively. The key component of each of these players is time. Phil Pressey has been in the NBA two years, and a 76er for three weeks. Hollis Thompson has been in the NBA for two plus years, the entire time part of the Philadelphia 76ers organization. Robert Covington has been in the NBA for two years, and been with the 76ers going into his second season with the club.
The team is more than young of age. They are young to the NBA. They need…. TIME.
Next: Which Sixer Player Frustrates You Most?
We talk about the planning and schemes of Sam Hinkie, but the obvious is staring us in the face. While other teams commit millions to sign “top talent” for instant gratification, the Sixers are committing millions to build hopeful players into NBA stars by investing time and training and patience into their careers.
It’s that counter culture that gives the Sixers the distinct advantage in the long term outlook. We don’t draft high to win instantly. We draft knowing that randomness will ultimately rule the likelihood of a singular prospect becoming an NBA superstar. So these Sixers use that to their advantage. It may not be taking the NBA by storm currently, but there will come a day when the light switch will come on. When that happens, NBA teams will sit up and take notice.
Until then, relax Philadelphia. They’re alright. The Philadelphia 76ers be just fine.