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The Process

The Process was the unconventional rebuilding strategy employed by the National Basketball Association's (NBA) from 2013 to 2016, under the leadership of , which deliberately prioritized accumulating draft picks through poor on-court performance to secure high-value young talent in future drafts. This approach, often summarized as "trusting the process," involved trading established players for draft assets and accepting short-term losses to build a foundation for long-term contention, resulting in the selection of franchise cornerstones like (third overall in 2014) and (first overall in 2016). Hinkie's tenure, beginning with his appointment in May 2013 and the hiring of coach in August 2013, saw the team amass 12 first-round picks over six drafts, though it drew criticism for the 76ers' dismal records—winning just 57 games across three seasons—and sparked league-wide debates on tanking ethics. The strategy's origins trace to Hinkie's philosophy of leveraging the NBA draft's lottery system, where lower win totals increased chances for top selections, transforming the 76ers from a middling franchise into one poised for contention by the late . Key moves included the 2015 trade of , the 2013 draft-night acquisition of rights to , and international scouting that yielded players like Dario Šarić, all contributing to a of assets that included 10 first-round picks by Hinkie's in April 2016 amid pressure from ownership. While "The Process" ultimately facilitated the 76ers' return to playoff relevance—reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2018 and 2019—it has been evaluated as a partial success, praised for its asset accumulation but critiqued for post-Hinkie mismanagement that hindered deeper postseason runs. The era not only reshaped the 76ers' roster but also influenced broader NBA front-office strategies, embedding "The Process" as a cultural touchstone for sports fans.

Background

Pre-2013 Struggles

The experienced a gradual decline following the midseason trade of to the in December 2006, which marked the end of an era defined by Iverson's scoring prowess and the team's appearance. Without a clear successor to anchor the franchise, the 76ers posted sub-.500 records in three of the next four seasons, including a dismal 27-55 finish in 2009-10 that resulted in their first playoff absence since the 2006-07 season. This period highlighted organizational challenges, as the team oscillated between mediocrity and irrelevance, failing to develop a cohesive roster or star player to replace Iverson's impact. Under head coach Doug Collins, hired in May 2010 to revitalize the squad, the 76ers showed fleeting promise but ultimately faltered. In the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, they achieved a 35-31 record, securing the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with a league-third-ranked defensive rating of 100.0 points allowed per 100 possessions. However, an early playoff exit followed, as they upset the injury-plagued 4-2 in the first round before falling 3-4 to the in the conference semifinals. Collins' tenure, which ended with his resignation in April 2013 after compiling a 110-120 regular-season record, was marred by inconsistent performance and internal tensions, underscoring the team's inability to sustain momentum. A pivotal misstep came in August 2012, when the 76ers traded forward , rookie Moe Harkless, and future assets to acquire center from the as part of a four-team deal aimed at pairing him with . Bynum, a former , never appeared in a single game for Philadelphia due to chronic knee issues, including bone bruises exacerbated by an off-court bowling incident in November 2012, which sidelined him indefinitely and derailed the team's plans. The fallout contributed to a 34-48 record in 2012-13, with a defensive rating slipping to 105.7 (15th in the NBA), marking the start of a prolonged playoff that lasted until 2018. Roster and financial mismanagement compounded these woes, particularly through high-stakes commitments to aging veterans without a viable long-term vision. In July 2008, the 76ers signed free-agent forward to a five-year, $82 million contract, expecting him to form a potent frontcourt duo with Iguodala, but Brand's persistent injuries limited him to 57 games over his first two seasons, where he averaged just 13.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game amid declining efficiency. This over-reliance on veterans like , combined with the absence of a post-Iverson development pipeline, left the franchise without draft capital or young talent, exacerbating cap constraints and competitive futility from 2010 to 2013. These accumulated failures prompted a front-office overhaul, culminating in the hiring of as in May 2013.

Hiring of Sam Hinkie

In May 2013, Philadelphia 76ers owner Joshua Harris hired 35-year-old as the team's president of basketball operations, marking a significant shift toward an analytics-focused rebuild. Hinkie, who had previously served as assistant general manager for the from 2007 to 2012, was known for his pioneering use of data in player evaluation and decision-making, including the development of advanced metrics like player tracking and predictive modeling during his tenure under . The hiring came amid controversy, as it followed the abrupt firing of Tony DiLeo and the resignation of coach Doug Collins just days earlier, triggered by the failed experiment with center , whose injury-plagued stint had exacerbated the team's roster weaknesses from the prior seasons. Harris, who had acquired majority ownership in 2011, sought a fresh approach after the 76ers' 34-48 record in 2012-13 and playoff miss, viewing Hinkie as the ideal candidate to implement a long-term vision despite his lack of prior GM experience. During his introductory press conference on May 15, 2013, Hinkie emphasized a "data-driven" philosophy, stating, "We're going to use every tool at our disposal, every bit of information we can gather, to try to make the best possible decisions." He also stressed the need for patience in pursuing sustainable success, noting that rebuilding would require time and that the organization was committed to "trusting the process" of informed risk-taking over quick fixes. One of Hinkie's earliest moves underscored this new direction: on draft night in June 2013, he traded All-Star guard , along with , to the in exchange for the sixth overall pick (used to select center ) and a protected future first-round pick, a deal that signaled the team's intent to prioritize draft assets and future flexibility over immediate contention.

Strategy and Implementation

Draft and Tankathon Approach

The tankathon approach, a term encapsulating the ' deliberate strategy of underperformance from 2013 to 2016, centered on compiling the league's worst record to maximize odds in the . Under general manager , whose background informed projections of long-term draft value, the team prioritized securing high picks over immediate wins, accepting prolonged losing as a pathway to rebuilding talent. This method involved curating on-court results that ensured bottom standings, distinct from off-court asset maneuvers. In the 2013-14 season, the 76ers achieved a 19-63 record, capped by a 26-game that tied the NBA record for consecutive defeats at the time. The following year, they improved marginally to 18-64, but the 2015-16 campaign marked a with a 10-72 finish—the second-worst mark in franchise history and second-worst in league annals (behind the 1972-73 76ers' 9-73 record). These outcomes positioned Philadelphia among the lottery's top seeds annually, leveraging the era's weighted system where the worst-record team held a 25% probability of the No. 1 pick, 15.7% for No. 2, and 15.2% for No. 3. The strategy yielded prominent draft selections, including center at No. 3 overall in 2014 despite his that sidelined him for two seasons. In 2015, they chose center at No. 3, adding frontcourt depth amid ongoing youth evaluation. The pinnacle came in 2016, when their worst-record status secured the No. 1 pick, used on versatile guard/forward . Roster construction supported the tankathon by emphasizing unproven talent, such as starting 2013 rookie at alongside other novices like . To sustain losses, the team traded veterans mid-season, including moves involving and in 2014, prioritizing developmental minutes over veteran stability.

Trades and Asset Management

During Sam Hinkie's tenure as general manager of the from 2013 to 2016, trades served as a core mechanism for rebuilding the franchise by exchanging established for future assets, enabling a deliberate accumulation of high-value selections. This approach prioritized long-term potential over immediate competitiveness, with Hinkie viewing picks, young , and flexibility as interchangeable elements in a broader to maximize optionality. One seminal trade occurred on draft night in 2013, when Hinkie sent All-Star guard and the 42nd overall pick to the in exchange for the sixth overall selection (used on center ) and a protected 2014 first-round pick (later conveyed to acquire the rights to forward ). This deal exemplified Hinkie's willingness to part with present talent for multiple future opportunities, as the additional pick contributed to further asset maneuvers. Another key transaction came at the 2014 trade deadline, when Hinkie traded center to the for forward , center Henry Sims, and two second-round picks, further diversifying the team's prospect pool. These trades, among others, underscored Hinkie's "asset wheel" philosophy, wherein players and picks were treated as fungible currency to be cycled into greater future value through strategic exchanges. By April 2016, Hinkie's efforts had amassed an extraordinary collection of draft capital, including more than 26 new first- and second-round picks or pick swaps acquired in just 26 months—exceeding the NBA's standard allowance of two picks per team annually. This stockpile encompassed 13 first-round picks over the subsequent seven drafts, bolstered by protected selections from teams such as the (via a 2015 trade sending guard to the ) and the (through a 2015 pick-swap agreement that allowed to exchange its own lower pick for a higher one). Numerous second-round picks complemented this haul, positioning the 76ers with more future seconds than 27 other NBA franchises. Tanking on the court complemented these trades by enhancing the value of pick swaps and protections, as poor records improved the 76ers' leverage in lottery positioning. Financially, Hinkie manipulated the to maintain unparalleled flexibility, spending approximately $135 million over three seasons compared to the league median exceeding $200 million, thereby avoiding penalties and preserving room for future signings. Strategies included dumping undesirable contracts, such as waiving injured players like in 2015 to shed his $6.6 million salary without acquiring incoming assets, and utilizing trade exceptions to absorb salaries from other teams in exchange for picks. The deployment of mid-level exceptions and minimum contracts for short-term role players further minimized payroll while filling roster spots, ensuring the team remained under the cap threshold and ready to pursue stars via free agency or trades once core pieces like matured. This fiscal discipline reinforced the asset wheel by converting saved dollars into additional bargaining power.

Key Personnel

Executives and Coaches

served as President of Basketball Operations and General Manager of the from May 2013 to April 2016, overseeing a deliberate rebuilding strategy centered on asset accumulation and long-term competitiveness. , who previously worked as assistant general manager for the under analytics pioneer , placed a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making during his tenure. He recruited front-office talent with expertise in finance, statistics, and advanced metrics, incorporating tools like (PER) and to evaluate player value and trade opportunities. This approach drew from 's background in and his advocacy for probabilistic modeling in sports management. Hinkie's resignation on April 6, 2016, came amid internal shifts, including the hiring of as chairman of basketball operations in December 2015, which diluted his authority. In his departure, he distributed a 13-page letter to ownership—later leaked publicly—serving as a that defended his of patience in rebuilding, drawing analogies to strategies and historical figures like to underscore resilience in the face of short-term losses. The document highlighted his vision for sustainable success but reflected frustrations with external pressures, including league scrutiny. Ownership partners Joshua Harris and , who acquired majority control of the 76ers in 2011, had backed Hinkie's unconventional methods initially, viewing them as aligned with innovative business practices. However, this support contrasted with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's public warnings in December 2015 against intentional tanking, where he expressed discomfort with the 76ers' prolonged losing strategy while denying direct intervention in team operations. On the coaching side, was hired as in August 2013, shortly after Hinkie's arrival, with a mandate focused on player development amid the rebuild. A longtime assistant under with the , Brown emphasized skill refinement, conditioning, and long-term growth for young talent, drawing from his experience coaching Australia's national team. He remained in the role through Hinkie's tenure and beyond, serving as a stabilizing force despite the team's win totals. Front-office additions under Hinkie included specialized roles to support and . Following Hinkie's exit, joined as Vice President of Player Personnel in May 2016 to bolster personnel evaluation. Under this leadership, the 76ers drafted several foundational players who later contributed to the franchise's resurgence.

Acquired Players

was selected by the with the third overall pick in the out of the , where he showcased elite shot-blocking and scoring potential as a . However, stress fractures in his right foot led to multiple surgeries, including procedures in 2014 and 2015, which sidelined him for his first two NBA seasons and delayed his debut until the 2016-17 campaign. In his rookie year, Embiid appeared in 31 games, averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field, earning All-Rookie First Team honors despite load management to protect his recovery. Ben Simmons, a versatile 6'10" point-forward, was chosen first overall by the 76ers in the after a dominant freshman season at , where he averaged 19.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists en route to National Player of the Year honors. A preseason foot fracture forced him to miss the entire 2016-17 season, but in 2017-18, his rookie year, Simmons posted 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, demonstrating elite playmaking and defensive versatility that led to unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year honors. Other notable acquisitions during this period included , obtained via a draft-night trade in 2013 when the 76ers sent to the for the sixth overall pick, selecting the 6'11" center known for his rim-protecting potential after averaging 2.7 blocks per game as a freshman. joined as the third overall pick in 2015 from , bringing low-post scoring prowess with 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during his college championship run. was acquired on draft night in 2014 by trading the No. 10 pick to the for the No. 12 pick and a future first-round pick; the Croatian forward joined the team in 2016 after playing overseas. was secured as the first overall selection in 2017 through a trade with the in which they exchanged their No. 3 overall pick and a future first-round pick to acquire the No. 1 pick, drafting the guard projected as a dynamic . These moves reflected the front office's emphasis on high-upside talents with significant developmental hurdles, such as injury recoveries for Embiid and Simmons.

Outcomes

Short-Term Results

The experienced unprecedented on-court struggles during the initial years of The Process, posting records of 19–63 in the 2013–14 season, 18–64 in 2014–15, and 10–72 in 2015–16, which collectively represented the worst three-season stretch in NBA history by win percentage. These outcomes stemmed from a deliberate of prioritizing future assets over immediate competitiveness, resulting in no playoff appearances and frequent lottery positioning. In the , the approach yielded high selections, including center at No. 3 overall in 2014, forward at No. 3 in 2015, guard at No. 1 in 2016, and guard at No. 1 in 2017, though the latter came amid criticisms of lottery luck favoring the team despite middling odds in some years. These picks were supplemented by trades that accumulated additional draft capital, enhancing the haul of young talent. The strategy drew significant controversies, including widespread suspicions of intentional tanking that prompted NBA scrutiny and contributed to league-wide reforms like the 2019 draft lottery changes, though no direct fines were levied against the 76ers during this period. Initial fan backlash was intense, manifesting in boos and protests over the losing, but it also sparked the emergence of "Trust the Process" chants by late 2016 as a rallying cry for patience amid the rebuild. The tenure of ended abruptly in April 2016 with his resignation, following the hiring of Jerry and in advisory and executive roles, which marginalized his authority and led to his 13-page letter outlining frustrations with the front-office dynamics. Attendance at Wells Fargo Center plummeted during this era, averaging 14,881 per home game in 2015–16—the second-lowest in the NBA—with several contests drawing under 10,000 fans amid the frustration of the 10–72 campaign. This decline reflected broader disillusionment, even as the "Trust the Process" slogan began to gain traction among a dedicated subset of supporters.

Long-Term Successes

Following the implementation of The Process, the achieved a significant return to contention in the 2017-18 season, finishing with a 52-30 record and securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference before losing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the in five games. This marked their first playoff appearance since 2012 and was bolstered by the emergence of core players drafted during the rebuilding years. The momentum continued into the 2018-19 season, where the team posted a 51-31 record, again earning the third seed, defeating the in the first round, but falling to the in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games. Individual accolades from Process-acquired talent further underscored the long-term successes, with earning the 2022-23 Kia after leading the league in scoring with 33.1 points per game. has been selected to seven NBA Games, while earned three nods during his tenure with the team. These milestones contributed to team achievements, including franchise-high win totals such as the 54-28 record in the 2022-23 season, which also resulted in a third-seed finish and a second-round playoff exit. The 76ers leveraged draft assets from the early rebuilding phase to make key additions, trading for from the in November 2018, which helped propel their playoff push that season. Subsequent moves included acquiring from the in February 2019 and from the in February 2022 in a deal centered around , though was later traded to the in October 2023. The team signed to a four-year, $212 million contract in July 2024. The 76ers achieved multiple 50-win seasons from 2017-18 to 2022-23 but have not reached the . However, in the 2024-25 season, plagued by injuries, they finished 24-58, placing 13th in the Eastern Conference and missing the .

Legacy and Impact

Cultural Phenomenon

The slogan "Trust the Process" originated in 2013 when , upon being introduced as the ' president of basketball operations, emphasized a long-term rebuilding focused on asset accumulation and patience, drawing from his philosophical approach to under . This mantra, inspired by Hinkie's writings on probabilistic outcomes and historical precedents in sports and beyond, gained traction among fans during the 2015-16 season, the nadir of the team's performance with a 10-72 record, as supporters began chanting it at games to rally behind the deliberate losing . Fan engagement transformed "Trust the Process" into a cultural emblem, manifesting in murals across depicting Hinkie and key draft picks, widespread T-shirt sales featuring the phrase, and dedicated podcasts like "Rights to Ricky Sanchez," launched in 2013, which amplified the narrative through humorous analysis and fan discussions during the lean years. In 2016, shortly after his NBA debut, embraced the moniker "The Process" on , tying his injury-delayed debut to the team's vision and further endearing the slogan to supporters who chanted it during his free throws starting in 2016. Media coverage, including ESPN's 2015 in-depth feature on the 76ers' unconventional path, highlighted the phrase's virality on social platforms, reframing intentional tanking as a principled commitment rather than and fostering a sense of communal defiance. The phenomenon bolstered local identity in , a city long synonymous with , by integrating "Trust the Process" into everyday expressions like game-day chants and casual references to iconic foods such as cheesesteaks during tailgates and watch parties. Post-2017, as young talents like Embiid and emerged, attendance surged from an average of 17,330 in 2016-17 to 20,330 the following season, reflecting renewed optimism and the slogan's role in sustaining fan loyalty through adversity. This evolution cemented the movement as a badge of Philadelphia's ethos, where enduring hardship for potential triumph became a celebrated virtue.

Influence on NBA Rebuilding

The Process, pioneered by former general manager from 2013 to 2016, inspired several NBA teams to adopt similar strategies of deliberate underperformance and asset accumulation during the mid-2010s. The , for instance, explicitly modeled their rebuild after Hinkie's approach, focusing on picks and cap flexibility following a 21-61 record in the 2015-16 season, which mirrored the 76ers' tanking tactics to stockpile young talent like . Similarly, the pursued a comparable path of extended losing seasons and hoarding from 2012 to 2017, aiming to escape mediocrity through high selections, though their efforts yielded less consistent results than Philadelphia's. These emulations contributed to league-wide concerns over competitive balance, prompting the NBA to implement reforms in 2019 that flattened the odds for the three worst teams—from 25% to 14% for the top pick—to deter overt tanking behaviors exemplified by The Process. Hinkie's emphasis on amassing draft capital over immediate win-now trades marked a pivotal shift in NBA analytics-driven front-office strategies, often termed the "Hinkiefication" of the league. Teams increasingly prioritized long-term asset trades and cap management, viewing draft picks as high-value currency in a salary-capped , a model detailed in Yaron Weitzman's 2020 book Tanking to the Top, which analyzes how Hinkie's data-informed trades revolutionized rebuilding paradigms. This approach gained traction as executives recognized that hoarding picks could yield foundational stars, influencing decisions across the league and reducing sentimentality in roster construction. The Process sparked ongoing debates about the of tanking, with critics arguing it undermined game integrity and fan engagement, while defenders highlighted its validation through sustained contention. NBA Commissioner , in 2022 comments, reiterated the league's commitment to further reforms against tanking, stating that such practices would face severe penalties to preserve , echoing earlier 2019 changes. The 76ers' eventual rise to Eastern Conference prominence served as a case study, demonstrating how long-term asset strategies could outperform short-term patchwork efforts. As of 2025, echoes persist in teams like the , who are employing a multi-year tanking phase to accumulate draft assets amid an 18-64 record in 2024-25. Recent analyses, including a 2025 study using synthetic control methods, indicate that Process-like tanking rebuilds led to improved winning percentages and perennial playoff contention compared to non-tanking approaches, underscoring their empirical impact despite ethical concerns.

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