“Trust The Process”, right? What happens if that process has failed so hard that rival executives look at it with disdain? How should a fan base react after being forced to watch five years of some of the worst basketball the NBA has ever seen? What if the high point of this era has been watching Kawhi Leonard crush their hopes with four fateful bounces?
Pre-Process 76ers
To truly understand the tale of Philadelphia’s Process, we must look at what occurred before it. The 76ers last NBA Championship was in 1983, and have been searching for that elusive trophy every since. They definitely had chances throughout the rest of the 20th century as their team would be blessed with such great players as ‘The Round Mound of Rebound’ himself, Charles Barkley and ‘The Answer’, Allen Iverson.
Unfortunately, it was never enough, but the start of the 21st century looked to be bright. The 76ers made The Finals that year as we all witnessed Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue and ruining the Lakers perfect postseason. Unfortunately, that golden moment would be the last time that the 76ers would see the finals.
Between the 2000-01 Finals and 201
History of The Process
Hinkie had control of the 76ers from 2013 until 2016. Although he had control of the 76ers for only three seasons, he wrecked it massively and the aftershocks of his Process will be felt for years to come. Hinkie’s master plan was to tank the team to the point that they would have the best chance of landing top picks in the NBA drafts.
It was this stroke of genius (sarcasm) that Hinkie would label as “The Process.” Hinkie executed this plan by trading away competent players for draft picks and horrible players. Hinkie wanted less than capable players as losing games would result in a higher draft pick. All Hinkie needed was the 76ers fanbase to trust in him, and unfortunately, they did.
Hinkie’s plan kind-of worked as over three losing seasons (47-199) Hinkie acquired 27 trades and seven lottery picks. With two of these picks, Hinkie was able to sign Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz). Unfortunately for Hinkie, he was forced to resign after the 2015-2016 season as the 76ers management didn’t “Trust The Process.”
Now, one could say that Embiid and Simmons are great players so the Process worked right? The short answer is no, not really.
Results of the Process
To a casual fan of the NBA, it may seem like The Process worked. This is a result of the 76ers acquiring a record of 52-30 during the first season with Embiid and Simmons. The following season (2018-2019) the Sixers had another successful season with a record of 51-31. Unfortunately, both of these seasons would end with an Eastern Conference Semi-Finals appearance.
The past two seasons may make it appear that the 76ers are on the right track and may actually be a legitimate contender. However, this season has been rough for the 76ers. It seems that Simmons and Embiid cannot co-exist on the court and that there have been locker room issues. Furthermore, the 76ers lost Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick during the off-season and that has basically crippled the offense.
The 76ers offensive rating has fallen from 8th in the league to 19th. The 76ers resigned Tobias Harris and picked up Al Horford but that has done little to help their offense. The lack of outside shooting ( *stares at Simmons*) makes defensive schemes rather simple for opposing teams.
Looking Forward
Although FiveThirtyEight predicts that the 76ers will end up with a 53-29, many people are now wondering if the 76ers will even make it out of the first round of the playoffs. If the first round sees the Miami Heat going up against them, the Heat will most likely beat them. Throughout their four match-ups this season, the Heat have won the series 4-1. It is not hard to suspect that the 76ers will continue to struggle and that the Heat will take advantage of their issues.
Hinke’s fabled Process may have landed the 76ers with Embiid and Simmons, but currently, this team is not built to win a championship. At this rate its a question if the 76ers will be able to win enough games to rise above fifth place in the East. The 76ers management has to consider whether Embiid and Simmons BOTH have a part in the future of this team.
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