The Sixer Sense
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Nik Stauskas says The Process is over, but it isn’t

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 19: Nik Stauskas #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 19: Nik Stauskas #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Nik Stauskas thinks it’s time for the Philadelphia 76ers to start winning — and he’s right. That doesn’t mean The Process is over.

The Process has been something worshiped by Philadelphia 76ers fans for quite some time now. After Tony Wroten originally coined the term, the city’s willingness to embrace Sam Hinkie’s overhaul-driven rebuild is something we’ve rarely seen in sports.

The Sixers underwent four long and arduous years, with losing becoming the norm in each and every season. This year, however, marks a different goal. With Joel Embiid healthy, J.J. Redick on board and the last two No. 1 picks ready to make their debut, the Sixers are fixated on competing for a spot in the playoffs for the first time since Jrue Holiday graced the roster.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

Nik Stauskas doubled down on the team’s desire to compete in a recent interview with theScore. It’s how he made that point, though, that may leave some Sixers fans upset.

"“We’ve dealt with what people called The Process for a long time. It’s time that The Process is over, it’s time that we start winning games, and start competing. That’s really the main goal moving forward.”"

Process trusters is a moniker given to most Sixers fans, and this is the type of comment that could rub them the wrong way. The Process is something the entire city has — for the most part — gotten behind, and it’s important to reiterate just how rare that is in the sports world. Philly’s fan base has done so with abnormal fervor as well, displaying an energy and optimism that’s difficult to find for most teams that are just a couple years removed from a 10-win season.

With that in mind, this could also speak to a misunderstanding on Stauskas’ part. The Process isn’t just losing to the point of no return, but a concept that has strengthened the entire organization, both inside and out.

Not only has the team added new talent, but fans are excited. The city is embracing their new rotation in a manner we haven’t seen since the Allen Iverson days, and that’s because of how gifted the likes of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are.

Without The Process, it’s difficult to imagine Philly fans rallying around the team like they currently are. The Jrue Holiday days were marred by mediocrity, and most casual supporters get tired quickly when watching a team get knocked out early every season.

The Process has had a wide-ranging impact on this team, something that won’t stop just because they start winning games. Joel Embiid is still going to tout The Process as the team’s saving grace, while the rebuild would be best categorized as phase one.

Philadelphia isn’t done improving, and there’s still a while left before they start competing at the highest of levels. While it’s difficult to quantify such an abstract term, The Process won’t be over until the Sixers are competing for — and winning — national titles.

Next: Breaking down the Sixers' frontcourt depth

Until then, The Process lives on. Trust it.