Hollis Thompson was essentially with “The Process” from beginning to end. He started in 2013-14, breaking into the league on a Sixers team that had recently hit the reset button. His NBA career stalled in 2016-17, Embiid’s first year on the court.
As undrafted free agent out of Georgetown, Thompson started 41 games his rookie season. He was one of the Sixers’ few shooters during the process era, providing some much-needed floor spacing on the wing.
For his career, Thompson shot 38.6 percent from deep on 3.6 attempts per game. Given the team’s reliance on centers and non-shooting point guards over the years, having Thompson lurking around the perimeter was a necessity for Brett Brown.
That’s probably the only reason he played. Thompson was never great, but he gave the Sixers something they otherwise lacked. Of course, giving opportunities to unheralded players was one of the process’ greatest virtues.
After spending roughly three and a half seasons with the Sixers, Thompson was cut to make room for more able contributors. He signed briefly with the New Orleans Pelicans, but lasted only nine games with them. He did start eight of those nine games, though.
Now Thompson is out of the league and pursuing basketball in Europe. He may never get another NBA opportunity, but Thompson was a process legend. His contributions will forever be remembered — by Sixers fans, at least.