Will The Process Leave Philadelphia?
Over the past few years, the Philadelphia 76ers have undergone a unique rebuilding strategy known as “The Process.” This controversial approach, spearheaded by former general manager Sam Hinkie, involved deliberately tanking seasons in order to acquire high draft picks and develop young talent. However, with recent changes within the organization, many fans and analysts are questioning whether “The Process” will continue in Philadelphia or if it’s time for a new direction. Let’s delve into the factors that could potentially lead to the end of “The Process” in Philadelphia.
The Departure of Sam Hinkie
One of the main driving forces behind “The Process” was Sam Hinkie himself. He believed in the long-term vision of building a championship contender through calculated risks and patience. However, in 2016, Hinkie resigned from his position as general manager amidst criticism from the league and pressure from team owners. His departure marked a turning point for the organization, as new leadership took over.
The Arrival of Bryan Colangelo
Following Sam Hinkie’s resignation, Bryan Colangelo was appointed as the new president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers. With Colangelo came a shift in philosophy and a desire to accelerate the rebuilding process. Unlike Hinkie, Colangelo aimed to transition from a “rebuilding” mindset to a “winning” mindset as quickly as possible.
The Rise of Joel Embiid
One of the key pillars of “The Process” and a product of Hinkie’s strategy is Joel Embiid. The talented center has become one of the most dominant players in the NBA, showcasing his exceptional skills on both ends of the court. His emergence as a superstar has accelerated expectations for the team, leading to increased pressure on the organization to shift its focus from rebuilding to winning.
The Addition of Ben Simmons
In addition to Joel Embiid, the arrival of Ben Simmons further heightened expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons, the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, was considered a transformative talent and a potential franchise player. With the combination of Embiid and Simmons, the Sixers possessed a formidable young duo with the potential to lead the team to great success.
Disappointing Playoff Performances
Despite the immense talent on the roster, the Philadelphia 76ers have faced disappointments in the playoffs. After reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2018-2019 season, the team has struggled to replicate that success. The consecutive early exits have raised questions about the effectiveness of “The Process” in terms of building a championship-caliber team.
The Push for Immediate Contention
With the team’s recent playoff struggles and the rise of Eastern Conference rivals such as the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, there is growing pressure for the Philadelphia 76ers to abandon their patient approach and make win-now moves. The fanbase, star players, and ownership group are all eager to see a competitive team that can contend for a championship in the near future.
The Acquisition of All-Star Talent
In an attempt to bolster the roster and make a championship push, the Philadelphia 76ers made significant moves in recent years, acquiring All-Star caliber players such as Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. These acquisitions reflected the organization’s desire to surround Embiid and Simmons with established talent rather than waiting for their young prospects to fully develop. However, despite these additions, the team hasn’t been able to achieve the desired level of success.
New Front Office Direction
Following disappointing performances and an early playoff exit in the 2020-2021 season, the Philadelphia 76ers underwent major changes in their front office. Daryl Morey, an experienced executive known for his ability to construct competitive teams, was hired as the new President of Basketball Operations. This move signaled a potential shift in the team’s strategy and a departure from the patient, long-term approach of “The Process.”
Concluding Thoughts
While “The Process” revolutionized the way NBA teams approach rebuilding, its future in Philadelphia remains uncertain. The departure of Sam Hinkie, the arrival of Bryan Colangelo, and the team’s recent playoff struggles have all contributed to the speculation surrounding its longevity. As the league becomes increasingly competitive, there is mounting pressure on the Philadelphia 76ers to shift their focus from rebuilding to immediate contention. With new leadership in place and the addition of All-Star talent, the team’s direction and the future of “The Process” in Philadelphia hangs in the balance.
