Few phrases in NBA history are as infamous as “Trust the Process.” What started as a long-term rebuilding strategy under former GM Sam Hinkie in 2013 became a cultural movement, a meme, and eventually, a point of pride and pain for Philadelphia 76ers fans.
But over a decade later, the question remains: Did the Sixers actually benefit from The Process, or did it hurt them more than it helped? Let’s dive into the truth, the results, and whether Philadelphia ultimately came out ahead.
The Origin Of ‘The Process’ By Philadelphia 76ers
In 2013, the Philadelphia 76ers were stuck in mediocrity. They weren’t bad enough to draft elite prospects, but not good enough to contend. Enter Sam Hinkie, who devised a bold plan: lose now, win later.
The idea was simple:
Trade away established players for draft picks.Stockpile lottery selections.Build a contender through star talent acquired at the top of the draft.
It was a strategy NBA fans had seen in other forms, but Hinkie’s unapologetic, extreme commitment gave it a new name: The Process.
The Painful Years For The Philadelphia 76ers
From 2013–2016, the Philadelphia 76ers were historically bad:
2013–14: 19–63 record2014–15: 18–64 record2015–16: 10–72 record (one of the worst in NBA history)
Attendance plummeted. National media criticized the team for “tanking” and harming the integrity of the competition. The NBA even stepped in, pushing Hinkie out and installing Jerry Colangelo to stabilize the franchise.
The Results: Draft Picks And Stars
Here’s where The Process starts showing its results.
Draft Wins:Joel Embiid (2014, No. 3 pick): The crown jewel of The Process, Embiid became an MVP, perennial All-Star, and the face of the franchise.Tyrese Maxey (2020, No. 21 pick): Not a direct Process pick, but enabled by years of asset flexibility, Maxey is now an All-Star-caliber guard.Draft Busts / Misses:Jahlil Okafor (2015, No. 3 pick): Out of the league in a few years.Markelle Fultz (2017, No. 1 pick): Injuries and shooting struggles derailed his Sixers career.Nerlens Noel, Michael Carter-Williams, Ben Simmons: All offered flashes of potential but didn’t fulfill star expectations.The Benefits Of The Process
Despite the criticism, The Process wasn’t a total failure. Here’s what Philly gained:
Joel Embiid – One of the greatest centers of his generation, a true MVP-caliber player.Consistent Playoff Appearances – The Sixers went from irrelevant to perennial contenders in the East.Fan Identity – “Trust the Process” became more than a strategy — it became a rallying cry for Philadelphia fans.The Costs Of The Process
But The Process also left scars:
Years of Irrelevance – From 2013 to 2016, Philly was unwatchable and alienated casual fans.Draft Failures – Multiple high lottery picks turned into busts, leaving Embiid without a true superstar partner.Lost Time in Embiid’s Prime – By the time the Sixers surrounded him with real talent, injuries and roster mistakes limited their ceiling.Reputation Damage – “Tanking” became synonymous with the Sixers, sparking league-wide reforms against intentional losing.Truth vs. Outcome: Did It Work For Philadelphia?
The answer depends on perspective.
From a fan’s view: The Process of Philadelphia 76ers delivered a superstar (Embiid), consistent playoff runs, and relevance. That’s more than most franchises can say.From a championship view: The Process failed. The Sixers haven’t reached the Finals, and years of tanking didn’t translate into a title.
In hindsight, The Process was a bold gamble. It elevated Philadelphia from mediocrity to relevance but didn’t achieve the ultimate goal: a championship.
Quick FAQ
Q: What was The Process for the Sixers?
A: A rebuilding strategy starting in 2013, where the Sixers intentionally lost games to acquire high draft picks.
Q: Who was the biggest success of The Process?
A: Joel Embiid, drafted in 2014, who became an MVP and franchise cornerstone.
Q: Did The Process work?
A: It worked in making the Sixers contenders, but failed to deliver a championship (so far).
Q: What were the biggest failures of The Process?
A: Draft busts like Jahlil Okafor and Markelle Fultz, plus years of poor basketball that hurt the team’s reputation.
The post Have The Philadelphia 76ers Benefited From ‘The Process’ More Than It Hurt Them? Truth vs. Outcome originally published on Total Pro Sports.