Philadelphia 76ers: 15 players who defined ‘The Process’
. C. (2014-present). Joel Embiid. 1. player. 93
There’s nobody more suited for the top spot on this list than Joel Embiid. As someone who dubbed himself “The Process”, Embiid embodies everything Sam Hinkie’s rebuild was about. An elite prospect with high-level upside who missed significant time due to injury early in his career.
With a rebuild underway, the Sixers were willing to wait on Embiid. They didn’t panic when he missed a second season. Their were concerns, definitely, but the team’s belief in Embiid — Hinkie’s belief in Embiid — never wavered.
After two grueling seasons, Embiid returned to the court in 2016-17. He would end up getting hurt after 31 games, but that almost didn’t matter. He still made a compelling NBA Rookie of the Year case. He almost made the NBA All-Star team, too.
In just 25.4 minutes per game, Embiid averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. For someone who a.) didn’t play basketball until he was 16 and b.) was coming off two years of feet/back issues, that production is unprecedented.
Last season, Embiid took another leap forward, finishing second in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting and earning a starting spot in the NBA All-Star Game. He’s the best center in basketball, just 24 years old and still has room to grow.
The Sixers’ were able to be patient with Embiid because that’s what the process was about — patience. Taking the longest view in the room and not rushing through a rebuild with ill-advised moves. That’s what allowed Embiid to flourish like he has.
An arguable top-10 player, Embiid alone is enough to get the Sixers a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Only a handful of players can impact the game on both ends like Embiid can. He’s a special, special talent.
Next. Top 30 players in franchise history. dark
“The Process” himself is the clear No. 1 on this list. And that won’t change.