Putting Trust in the Process

The Philadelphia 76ers have found some hope in a year that has them sitting at 21-34, which is the team's best record in four years. The 76ers have had a recent history of being by far the worst team in the NBA. Failed draft picks, injuries, and bad coaching are just some of the things that have plagued the Sixers. After finishing last year almost exact opposites of the Golden State Warriors at 10-72, the 76ers have looked to continue building and using the same motto the entire time: Trust the Process.

The 76ers have turned blessings into curses in the NBA draft the last 3 years. They've landed college gems like Nerlens Noel from Kentucky University, Michael Carter-Williams from Syracuse University, Joel Embiid from the University of Kansas, Jahlil Okafor from Duke University, and last year’s number one pick, Ben Simmons from Louisiana State University. They have drafted lots of talent, but why is their record so bad? Mainly injuries and things just not working out. Noel and Carter-Williams were both drafted in the 2013 draft, but neither panned out like expected. Carter-Williams had an excellent first year with the team and was named Rookie of the Year in 2013. The following year, a shoulder injury sidelined him for the start of the season, and inevitably, he was traded to Milwaukee (he is now with the Chicago Bulls). Noel, still with the Sixers, missed all of his rookie season with a knee injury and has yet to fully shine as a top talent in the league. While he is starting to gain some confidence this year, Noel has made headlines by voicing his opinion about his lack of playing time, and also has been the subject of trade rumors. Simmons, the number one pick in the 2016 draft, and Joel Embiid, the number one pick in the 2014 draft, were the biggest draft picks the Sixers have had in recent years, but were hit with the injury bug. Embiid was forced to sit out his first two seasons after suffering a foot injury before playing a single game, and Simmons has yet to play a game after also suffering a foot injury before the season started. Okafor, the number three pick from the 2015 draft, has been the only lottery pick who has gone without suffering any injuries, and even had a good rookie season for the 76ers. But he could only do so much as they finished 10-72 last season, and as the NBA trade deadline is approaching, his name is top on the list to go.

Since going 41-41 in the 2010-2011 season, the 76ers have been on a massive slide. They won 35 games the 2011-12 season, 34 games the next year, 19 games the 13-14 season, 18 the 14-15 season, and just 10 games last year. Before the All-Star break this season, they already have doubled their wins from last season and have seen a little bit of light in all the darkness. Okafor is averaging just over 11.5 points a game and 4.8 rebounds a game. Second year guy TJ McConnell, who’s averaging 6 points and 6.1 assists per game, has three game winning shots this season, which has made this team just a little more fun to watch. There seems to be a little hope brewing in Philly. Just yesterday, Charlotte Hornets player Nicolas Batum guaranteed a victory over the 76ers. The 76ers ended up winning the game, and McConnell told a reporter that teams cannot just overlook them. Watching this season, they seem to have some swagger in their game that has not been there for a while. The fans are becoming more excited and people around the NBA are starting to take a little notice. That is something that has not been with this franchise in a long time.

Simmons will provide a real spark once he gets healthy. After one spectacular season at LSU, Simmons declared for the draft and was the first overall pick. He averaged 19.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 11.8 rebounds a game in college, and is very exciting to watch. Simmons once recorded a 46-point game without making one three-point shot. That is practically unheard of nowadays.  Before the season, he compared his play style to that of LeBron James. I would not give him that level of praise yet, but Simmons is going to be a very special player in this league, and will be very fun to watch. During the summer league, Simmons was on Sportscenter's Top 10 Plays daily, with his magnificent passing skills and his amazing court vision. Standing at 6’10", Simmons is going to join Milwaukee Bucks point guard Giannis Antetokounmpo as the new breed of tall point guards in the league.

Embiid is the man that everyone in Philly is extremely excited about, and his play this year has cemented the hype. Embiid has taken the phrase “trust the process” and absolutely run with it. If you mention the 76ers, you cannot help but mention the catchphrase that NBA fans love. Even though Embiid was drafted in 2014, this year is his rookie season because of the broken foot that has not allowed him to play a game prior to this season. Joel has been on an absolute tear this year, and even though he is on a minutes restriction, only getting around 26 minutes a game, he is averaging 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds, and just barely missed the All-Star game. He has been a do-it-all guy, pushing the fast break at times, being the hype man for his team, passing the ball, blocking shots, and even shooting the three. His personality is the best part about Embiid. He is very active on Twitter and always has some goofy things to say. As the All-Star game approached, he encouraged fans to vote for him because celebrity singer Rihanna agreed to go on a date with him if he made the game. His outgoing and good personality has won over the Philly fans, and they have really attached themselves to him as their superstar. When he is on the floor, there seems to be a little more excitement than the Sixers have had in a long time.

The 76ers have found a core of young talent that, if healthy, could be special for this team. I personally want to see them do well, and am excited to watch them once Embiid and Simmons are on the floor at the same time. The excitement in Philly is rising, and even though the team has the third-worst record in the league, the future seems to be extremely bright for this young Sixer franchise.