In 2013, Sam Hinkie was hired by the Philadelphia 76ers as president and general manager. On Wednesday, he announced his resignation from those positions, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
ESPN sources say Sam Hinkie has stepped down from his posts in Philadelphial
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 7, 2016
Stein also notes it is expected Bryan Colangelo will soon be a member of the front office. Bryan’s father, and long time NBA executive, Jerry was hired as Philadelphia’s chairman of basketball operations back in December.
One source close to the situation in Philadelphia tells https://t.co/EXInXOMads that Bryan Colangelo's arrival with the club is "imminent"
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 7, 2016
Sixers general managing partner Josh Harris issued a statement regarding Hinkie’s resignation.
Statement from Sixers managing partner Josh Harris on Sam Hinkie's resignation: pic.twitter.com/AO7B7WQ6Tt
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) April 7, 2016
Since the hiring of Hinkie, the Sixers played to a record of 47-195, the worst in NBA during that span. Hinkie’s attempt to return the Sixers to relevance, infamously dubbed “the process”, has been painful for both fans of the team and NBA to endure. As the record indicates, Philadelphia has largely not been competitive for the third consecutive season, and that was the plan. It has allowed the team to select near the top of recent NBA drafts in hopes of finding a franchise centerpiece.
Also, through numerous moves, the Sixers have compiled several first and second round picks in upcoming drafts. They could have four selections in the first round of this year’s draft including their own and ones belonging to the Lakers, Heat, and Thunder. They also have the Nuggets’ second round pick this year.
In addition to several draft picks to work with, the new regime will have a roster that includes big men Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. Then there is Joel Embiid, the No. 3 pick in 2014, who has yet to play an NBA game and 21-year-old Dario Saric (also taken in 2014), who is reportedly expected to join the Sixers during the offseason after continuing to play in Europe after being drafted.
After being the doormat of the NBA in recent years, the Sixers have made changes within the organization to try to put an end to the recent stretch of constant losing. The cupboard may look relatively bare for now. However, Hinkie’s madness may ultimately help provide a way out of the darkness.
