The phrase Trust The Process, which has developed as the rallying cry for Sixers fans everywhere over the last several years, has varying interpretations depending on whom you ask. Some think they are the only ones for sure who knows what that phrase means, and others don't care and just flippantly use it because it's fun and trendy to say. Whether there is a "correct" meaning of the phrase or not, it has clearly evolved into much more than it was ever originally intended to be at its origin point.
The general sentiment among Sixers supporters is that if you don't "Trust The Process" then you aren't supporting the Sixers as an organization. I was a massive supporter of Sam Hinkie and the original iteration of The Process. Sam Hinkie was a refreshing general manager who thought outside the box, was young and forward-thinking, but most importantly to me was willing to tank to get the franchise in the position they so desperately needed to be. And to credit owner Joshua Harris, he green-lit the operation, when many owners would not have. I've been fully on board with The Process since day one.
However, and ever so unfortunately, Sam Hinkie is no longer here. Yet, people continue to still shout "Trust The Process" from the rafters. Partly due to the fact that Sixers star Joel Embiid has, himself, adopted it and champions it, but also because Sixers fans like to tell the world that they believe in what the Sixers are doing as an organization. And therein lies why I have come to say that I no longer trust The Process. With Sam Hinkie long removed from the Sixers organization, the architect who created that process which everyone trusted to such a degree is gone. In what other walk of life would an individual trust any process, plan, blueprint, or anything where the original architect or brains behind it is no longer in charge? Say there is a small family-owned restaurant that you love. You eat there all the time because you love the food and trust that the owners will make you a quality meal every time you visit. If that family sold this business to another family who you know nothing about, would you have the same level of trust that you are going to get a quality meal when you walk into that restaurant? Of course not.
I trusted The Process, because I trusted Sam Hinkie. He earned my trust, because he enacted philosophies that I had called on for many years and made quality moves that worked and were the driving force in the Sixers emerging as a playoff team last season. Now, in 2018, who in this front office has earned your trust? I love Brett Brown for all his contributions to the Sixers and sticking it out and keeping his sanity during the periods of tanking and coaching college-level talent, but I loved him as a basketball coach. He has not earned my trust as a personnel decision-maker. The Sixers named Elton Brand general manager this summer, and his only experience in that seat comes from his time with the G League 87ers. He has no NBA experience as general manager. Now, that doesn't mean he won't be good, or great even, but that doesn't mean the selection inspires confidence. Especially when fans still don't technically even know the true complexities behind the current front office dynamic.
Sixers fans and media people blasted Bryan Colangelo because "He came here to bring credibility to the Sixers and in his time with the Sixers, he has yet to add any significant talent to the roster and only carried on what Sam Hinkie left for him." Though, if everyone was honest with themselves, they knew he didn't have the opportunity to add a big-name, star-level talent, as the Sixers didn't have the pedigree as a franchise to sell yet to free agents. Brett Brown and co. this summer went "star hunting" coming off of a 52 win season and 2nd round playoff berth, were unable to land any big ticket players either. Yet, the narrative this time was "They didn't have the opportunity to land any star players, because they didn't want to come here." A narrative that apparently didn't apply to Bryan Colangelo when the team at the time had yet to prove anything to the NBA world.
A Sixers offseason that started with dreams of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, or even a combination of the 3(yes, it was both talked and fantasized about among fans) ended with Wilson Chandler as their premiere acquisition. Wilson Chandler. A mediocre-at-best role player, who fans would have eviscerated Bryan Colangelo for, had he been his best addition in any offseason of his short tenure. What have the Sixers done to earn my trust with their new leadership? The draft day trade with the Phoenix Suns? A solid trade, but the Hinkie-Divac Kings mugging, it was not. If the Knicks set out in a summer for elite level talent and wound up with Wilson Chandler, Sixers social media people would be mocking the Knicks for months. However, when the very same scenario plays out for the Sixers, their offseason moves are painted in a much brighter and more optimistic light, and was declared a "rousing success" by some.
Since, the sports gods have gifted the Sixers a second chance by making Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler available for trade. The Sixers do not appear to have any interest in acquiring him. NBA reporters have stated that the Sixers are on the periphery at best, and have not spoken to Minnesota in weeks about a trade, and are unwilling to part with any quality pieces to land his services. Right now, the Miami Heat are the current favorite according to NBA insiders. The Sixers missed out on several stars already, and have a player fall in their laps who would fit the team perfectly. He is a shot creator, which is arguably the Sixers' biggest need. He is a scorer, which would aid their end-of-game shot-making woes. He plays good defense, and he can attack the rim to draw defenders and open up shooters. Butler, paired with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons would make for a deadly trio, not to mention having a progressing Markelle Fultz, and the ever-reliable Dario Saric as your core. But again, no interest from the Sixers. They seem to believe that they can just go out again next summer and things will turn out differently. Next summer is the last chance the Sixers will have to use their cap room, as players like Ben Simmons will be due for contract extensions, thus dissolving the Sixers cap space. Apparently, they haven't learned their lesson from this summer that players just don't value the city of Philadelphia as a destination, and don't quite buy into the future greatness of the Sixers the way the Sixers themselves or "Process Trusters" do. So, what will change in a year? Other teams will accumulate more assets, which will allow them to compete with any competitive Sixers offer in a potential trade for a star. Will someone finally buy in and take the Sixers' max salary offer? Will stars choose the Sixers over a team like the Knicks who can sell the great city of New York, and playing with Kristaps Porzingis, who is a very popular player in NBA circles, and rookie Kevin Knox? Would a star choose the Sixers over playing with the Lakers and LeBron James? I find it doubtful. Not impossible, but doubtful.
Which is entirely the point. Under Sam Hinkie, I didn't have any doubts about the future and direction of the franchise. Now, I do. At one point, not too long ago, everything seemed to be going the way everyone planned. Embiid and Simmons got healthy and were developing, the Sixers traded up for that 3rd scoring compliment in the draft to land Markelle Fultz. And then suddenly the plan deviated a bit. Fultz developed odd shooting habits which derailed his rookie campaign, the Sixers lost to an undermanned Celtics team in the playoffs in 5 games, and the Sixers were unable to accomplish everything they original set out to do during the summer. Not a cause for full-on panic, but no reason for confidence either. Is it the end of the world? No. Are the Sixers still good and fun? Sure. But if you told me back in Spring or Fall of 2018 that this is exactly the position you hoped the Sixers would be in headed into the 2018-19 season, you'd be lying your ass off.
If the Sixers want me to "trust" them and to regain my confidence in their operation, they are going to have to earn it again. And that means exceeding expectations again this season, and next summer landing that star they so badly desire, which could put them in the conversation with the NBA's elite, because right now, as fun to watch and improved as they are, they have zero chance to win a championship. Zero.
Prove me wrong, Sixers. Make yourself worthy of trusting once again.
