Philadelphia 76ers: 15 players who defined ‘The Process’

The 39th pick back in 2014, Grant was considered a project coming out of Syracuse. Naturally, that meant he received ample playing time in year one, averaging 6.3 points in 21.2 minutes per game as a rookie. He was one of “The Process'” finest second-round picks.

Albeit raw, Grant always felt like someone who was part of the Sixers’ future plans. His defensive versatility fit the evolving NBA, while his ability to finish lobs and hit the occasional three-point shot made him useful enough on offense.

Bryan Colangelo had other ideas, though. He traded Grant two games into his third season, shipping him to the Oklahoma City Thunder for one year of Ersan Ilyasova. Grant now has a solid three-year contract with the Thunder and might be their starting power forward this season.

That’s another thing that might have held Grant back in his time with the Sixers — he was playing out of position. With the frontcourt logjam in full effect, Grant spent his playing time mostly at small forward. He’s not a wing.

With all of that in mind, Grant has earned his spot on this list. One of Sam Hinkie’s most underrated gems, Grant went from a raw, unrefined athlete to a viable contributor due to the playing time he got in Philadelphia. That playing time wouldn’t have come anywhere else.

Now he’s primed for a long, successful NBA career. And he would be one heck of a small-ball center behind Joel Embiid, but a certain GM didn’t have the foresight of his predecessor. Now Sixers fans are forced to watch from afar as Grant realizes his potential.