The Sixer Sense
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Sixers have few members of “The Process” remaining

By Lucas Johnson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 15: Joel Embiid #21, Robert Covington #33, and Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 117-111. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 15: Joel Embiid #21, Robert Covington #33, and Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 117-111. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers roster is beginning to be molded into a championship contender, but at the price of losing members of the franchise’s rebuild.

As the summer progresses for the Philadelphia 76ers, it becomes abundantly clear that the club has pursued more players that have proven track records, versus players with potential. This is outside of the players the Sixers drafted this offseason and Jonah Bolden, who was draft last season. As the 76ers bring in more proven players the numbers of players who were part of “The Process” rebuild are dwindling.

Now to clarify what constitutes a player being included as part of “The Process” would not be just any player with the franchise when the team was bad. A member of “The Process” is a player who was brought on the team by former general manager Sam Hinkie. This excludes players like Ben Simmons and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot who were drafted by former president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo.

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“The Process” core was reduced in numbers again with the agreed upon trade that will send Richaun Holmes to the Phoenix Suns. Surely Holmes will find a nice role in Phoenix. However with the departure of Holmes, the number of “The Process” members stands at four.

Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Robert Covington and T.J. McConnell are the only lingering reminders of the Hinkie era in Philadelphia. Embiid had health concerns coming into the NBA, Saric was an European prospect while both Covington and McConnell were undrafted free agents. Each of these players had risks coming into the league, yet were able to thrive.

With LeBron James signing with the Lakers, Embiid will be one of the players fighting for James’ title as “King” of the East. Covington made NBA All-Defense first team this past season and looks to be a defensive anchor on the team for years. Side note, Embiid also made NBA All-Defense second team last season as well.

Saric averaged 14.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists, while shooting 39.3 percent from downtown. It’s very possible that Saric continues to improve as he is only 24-years-old. Rounding out the group is McConnell, who is arguably one of the best defensive backup point guards in the NBA. Out of all the point guards in the league last season, McConnell was tied for the 11th highest steal average with 1.2 per game.

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There is no doubt that “The Process” members have shrunk in size since Hinkie’s departure. However, they make up a good majority of the identity that is the Philadelphia 76ers today. Getting proven players is nice, however occasionally the Sixers should take a risk on a player as well. The gamble could end up playing off and the club could get another foundational piece.