Former Philadelphia 76ers president and general manager was a disciple of the “mega-deal”. He converted good players into trade picks for that one trade that would define the franchise. But who? Here are five reasons why Sam Hinkie was stockpiling for New Orleans Pelicans Anthony Davis
When Sam Hinkie interviewed for the role of general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, he left nothing to chance. He brought a power point presentation which illustrated, step-by-step, how the Houston Rockets prepared to deal for Oklahoma City Thunder sixth man James Harden.
It was that attention to detail that earned him the job. From the moment he arrived in Philadelphia, he placed the 76ers on the map. First – for dealing the few decent players for draft picks. Secondly- for doubling down on those picks to earn move picks in future drafts.
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His strategy was multi-layered. He sought the first franchise player, and believed he could only find that lone player by multiplying the number of draft picks and undrafted players.
Secondly, he sought to find undervalued NBA talent in the second round of the NBA draft or from the ranks of the undrafted, and trade those players as they became “NBA Worthy” for new draft picks or undervalued talent. He traded talented Jrue Holiday, and subsequently drafted Michael Carter-Williams. He then traded Michael Carter-Williams, and signed on undrafted T.J. McConnell. But since the team cashed in the value of Thaddeus Young at power forward, that position has been left unadressed.
As @JerryZgoda 1st reported, Minny's Luc Mbah a Moute, Alexey Shved and Heat '15 1st-rounder go to 76ers for Thad Young. Deal done Saturday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2014
The “first round” pick eventually became Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. Hinkie’s successor, Bryan Colangelo, chose both TLC and Furkan Korkmaz to the team in the 2016 NBA Draft. But the team has more picks coming.