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Philadelphia 76ers: The 3 biggest ‘what ifs’ of the Sam Hinkie Era

BySimon Smith|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 27: Jahlil Okafor, and General Manager Sam Hinkie attend a press conference after being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2015 NBA draft on June 27, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 27: Jahlil Okafor, and General Manager Sam Hinkie attend a press conference after being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2015 NBA draft on June 27, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

While “The Process” has produced some potential megastars for the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s scary to conceive that it could’ve been even more productive.

It was a complete contrast in lottery picks on display this week as the Philadelphia 76ers played host to the Phoenix Suns.

In one corner was Jahlil Okafor, the No. 3 overall pick in 2015, who was already experiencing his 21st DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) of the season. Compare this to his draft class compatriot, Devin Booker, who was busy piling on 46 points as the Suns recorded an upset win over the Sixers.

The highly publicized Sam Hinkie era brought about a dramatic change to the Sixers as a franchise. While it was a painful process in notching a 75-253 record over a four-year span, the results it has produced have been plain to see this season.

Joel Embiid, the No. 3 overall selection in 2014, is finally experiencing an uninterrupted season following just 31 games over his first three seasons. As a result, the 23-year-old is posting 23.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game. A dominant presence on both ends of the floor, Embiid appears destined to become an All-Star.

Then there is Ben Simmons, the No. 1 overall selection in 2016, who despite missing his entire debut season, has kicked off his career without missing a beat. Thus far, Simmons has been scintillating in averaging 18.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 2.3 steals in 35.8 minutes per game.

Like Embiid, Simmons has a genuine chance of being named an All-Star, which would represent the first time since Blake Griffin in 2011 that a rookie has been selected to the annual event.

Granted, Hinkie had been replaced by the Sixers’ current president of basketball operations, Bryan Colangelo, prior to Simmons being selected in the 2016 NBA Draft. However, the lead-in work over the preceding years to deliver them the No. 1 overall pick to the franchise ensues Hinkie’s fingerprints were certainly all over this selection.

So while Embiid and Simmons have thus far been raging successes, there were also a number of misses among the Sixers’ accumulation of high-end lottery picks.