Philadelphia 76ers Fans Need to Let Sam Hinkie Go

Philadelphia 76ers Fans Need to Let Sam Hinkie Go

Now that we have the first pick that is.

Philadelphia 76ers fans are rejoicing and enjoying the excitement that surrounds acquiring the number one selection in the NBA draft despite the skepticism. Perhaps we need to hold off on the celebration. But who are the biggest supporters in the midst of any celebration? People who spoke negatively of Sam Hinkie yet are excited for the fruits of his labor of course. Especially when there are far more offensive features of the Sixers recent past.

Just like Nikolai Yezhov, now you see him, now you don’t.

Extremes aside, even sites attempting some level of integrity and honesty are mentioning how, “the process worked.” Some are even typing out Sam Hinkie’s name and daring to insinuate that he had something to do with this. Imagine that.

For the most part however, and in part understandably, since he is no longer with the team, Hinkie detractors relish in the convenient fact and excuse of disconnecting Hinkie to the 76ers most recent good fortune. If they wind up being good, look for much of the same.

Comcast Sports Net says it’s time to let Hinkie go. But this of course, not before writing yet another story about him and to mention – that just maybe – Hinkie had something to do with the Philadelphia 76ers landing the number one selection in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Hinkie’s detractors have been absent when granting him any of the credit for maneuvering this accomplishment and down the memory hole it goes.  All Philadelphia 76ers fans should realize the significance of history: it matters.

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CSN to their credit, did rightly discuss that how, “To many, (not to them?) lottery success was vindication of everything Hinkie had been working toward before he was ousted prematurely as Sixers general manager. It was the culmination of his vision.”

If you supported Hinkie and his process you probably are consistent, and are giving him the credit for the number one pick. Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown obviously understands this logic. This does not mean that you are “wading dangerously into cult territory.”  It just means you have a sense of history and a short term memory – two skills that require work for sports fans, but not elite commentators.

Moreso, the mindset trickles down to well-intentioned analysts.  Among their ranks, there are three possible reactions to the number one pick in the context of Hinkie:

1. give Hinkie credit (the few)
2. say nothing of Hinkie (the many)
3. deny Hinkie altogether (the bold)

Consider this quote: “Even though the team finally cashed in, no Hinkie critics should be pulling an about-face based on the results of Tuesday’s lottery . . . A random bounce of ping-pong balls doesn’t validate Hinkie’s revolutionary strategy.”

You don’t have to worry. No Hinkie critic was rushing in to give him credit.  Even if his asset buildings result in a championship or a good team, somehow he will be disassociated from the possible successes to come.  How do you know that? Because he is not even getting the credit for the 76ers landing the first pick.

This is the height of unfairness. In other words, if the 76ers fail, it was from Hinkie’s lack of skill and poor vision and sloppy, unhinged management; but when they land the number one selection – this is just plain, silly, random, dumb luck.

Next: Could the Philadelphia 76ers Trade Back?

Even Hinkie would say it is luck, but that was his job, to give them a chance.