6. Michael Carter-Williams
Lucas Johnson
It only seems fitting that the former Rookie of the Year is in the top-10 of these rankings. Michael Carter-Williams was exciting as a rookie and was the first of many faces that led the way during “The Process”. He averaged 16.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals during his Sixers tenure. Yet, despite the impressive averages, Hinkie was still willing to trade Carter-Williams, which appears to be the right call.
Carter-Williams’ career went in a downward spire after he left Philly and only now with the Magic does it look like he’s making positive strides. Hinkie got a first round pick for the 6-foot-6 point guard who’s value is no close to being that of a first rounder. Trading Carter-Williams showed that Hinkie wasn’t going to settle until he had great talent.
5. Nerlens Noel
Christopher Kline
A top-five pick and a member of Philadelphia’s infamous center logjam, Nerlens Noel never got a fair shot. The big man averaged 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks with the 76ers. He showed flashes as a rookie, but ended his South Philly tenure lost in the shuffle behind Embiid and Jahlil Okafor. In hindsight, Noel deserved more of an opportunity ahead of Okafor. Heck, that wasn’t an uncommon opinion at the time either.
Noel truly represents the beginning of “The Process”. He was the prized return in the Jrue Holiday trade, which kicked off Sam Hinkie’s masterful plan. “The Process” started the Sixers at square one and Noel was square one. It didn’t work out, but he will hold a special niche in 76ers history.