Months after Sam Hinkie stepped down as general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid, the third overall pick in 2014 who has yet to make his debut, still has his back.
Embiid posted this to Instagram account:
The caption here reads: “THE GOAT #HeDiedForOurSins #TrustTheProcess.”
Well, snap. This is just the latest proof that Embiid is the bestest of the bestest at using social media. Here’s hoping he doesn’t lose his edge once he starts playing everyday.
On a larger scale, Embiid’s point is legitimate. Hinkie is still the author of the Sixers’ much-maligned Process, no matter what ultimately becomes of it. In fact, leaving only stands to validate him if things go right, while inoculating him against criticism if Philly fails.
So much of the talent on the Sixers roster, including Joel Embiid, is only there now because of Hinkie. Ben Simmons, Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Embiid, etc. aren’t in Philadelphia without him.
Yes, the frontcourt is a mess. But whatever the Sixers do with Okafor and Noel on the trade market, and whatever becomes of Simmons, Saric and Embiid, can be traced back to Hinkie. If and when the Sixers use this nucleus to reach the next level, either by way of trades or in-house development, Hinkie will have been vindicated.
Until then, momentary support of his reign, like Joel Embiid’s weekend Instagram post, will commit him to memory.
