Even If Sixers' Process Is Complete, Philosophy Behind It Needs to Stay

Is "The Process" over?

That is a question that has dominated the Philadelphia sports scene from the moment it became clear the 76ers were acquiring the first overall pick in the 2017 draft. The potential nucleus of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz certainly feels different than anything the Sixers have placed on the floor this century (with apologies to the JaKarr Sampson, Isaiah Canaan and Carl Landry triumvirate).

A promising team is hardly a winning one, so the debate lingers on as it relates to whether the Sixers' young talent will mature into a champion. That answer is likely years away.

So while some focus on the question, "Is The Process over?" perhaps it's ideal to reframe the question and ponder, "Should The Process ever end?"

It's easy to associate The Process with tanking. Seventy-five wins over four seasons underscore that line of thought. But tanking was always a part of The Process, never its entirety. 

At its heart, The Process revolves around finding the best way to position a franchise once lost in the wasteland that is in the middle of the NBA standings (with no hope of ever signing a true difference-making free agent) for long-term success.

Philadelphia 76ers

Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.

3 observations after Sixers lose dramatic, controversial game in Harden's return

Can Sixers avoid the play-in? Taking stock of the race going into home stretch 

More simply put: properly evaluating your situation plus making smart decisions based on that evaluation = The Process.

With that in mind, The Process should reign forever. That formula is how successful organizations in sports and otherwise, operate. The Patriots have a process. The Cubs have a process. The Warriors have a process. 

The tanking may be done. However, Sixers fans should hope The Process is far from over.

Trust that.

Copyright CSNPhily
Contact Us