“Trust the Process” has become a rallying cry for most Sixers fans, extending well beyond the rebuilding years. It wasn’t Sam Hinkie or Joel Embiid who coined the phrase, though. That honor belongs to Tony Wroten.
Since then, fans have ran with “TTP”, turning it into one of the most marketable and recognizable three-word chants in the NBA. Embiid, who might be a top-10 player, now uses “The Process” as his nickname. Wroten was the origin point.
Playing 110 games over three seasons with the Sixers, Wroten was one of the process’ most dynamic offensive players. He was an aggressive slasher, getting to the rim and putting up points in bunches.
At his peak, during the 2014-15 season, Wroten averaged 16.9 points in 29.8 minutes per game. As much as anybody on the roster, he benefited from the freedom that came with playing on a bad team.
Wroten’s career with the Sixers didn’t last much longer, though. He was waived to make room for Ish Smith midway through 2014-15 season. He would return for an eight-game stretch in 2015-16, which was the last time he played NBA basketball.
As someone who bought into the Sixers’ rebuild as a hard-working, shot-happy combo guard, Wroten will long be remembered in process lore. Both for his on-court production and his contribution to the culture and fan base.