The Sixer Sense
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5 Reasons former Philadelphia 76ers Sam Hinkie Stockpiled for Anthony Davis

By Bret Stuter

Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2), Philadelphia 76ers guard Hollis Thompson (31) and forward Carl Landry (7) reach for a loose ball during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2), Philadelphia 76ers guard Hollis Thompson (31) and forward Carl Landry (7) reach for a loose ball during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward
Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward /

REASON I: He never sought talent at the power forward position in his tenure

Sam Hinkie knew basketball analytics.  He knew that the key to winning a championship was to create a harmonious roster around three key players. He knew center Joel Embiid was one such player.  If fact, he knew it so convincingly that he ensured his 2014 first round draft pick received the best medical care available on the planet, before the guy ever played a single game of basketball in the NBA.

OTHER SUGGESTED READING: Has Sam Hinkie Hustled The NBA?

But the strategy changes after the first player arrives.  Sam Hinkie knew that. In fact, he counted on that.

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Twin Towers Trials

After center, the next critical role is power forward.  Both Brett Brown and Sam Hinkie have had experience with a “twin towers” team.  Sam Hinkie knew about the Houston Rockets Akeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson.  Meanwhile, Brown knew about the San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

Despite valuing the power forward role, Sam Hinkie did not pursue the position during his tenure. After parting ways with Thaddeus Young, he did not pursue a power forward. He obtained Luc Mbah A Moute to help transition Joel Embiid to the NBA.  After that, he persuaded Nerlens Noel to try power forward, he accepted Carl Landry from the Sacramento Kings in a salary dump.

But he never attempted to get “his guy”. Sam Hinkie was far too strategic to commit such a huge faus pax on something he knew intimately. He was biding his time on power forward.