The Process would not exist without the NBA Draft. For a solid four years, Philadelphia 76ers fans endured awful basketball and countless losses only to see a mere glimmer of hope each time late June rolled around.
The draft was the saving grace of the Process. Without it and Sam Hinkie’s ability to acquire bundles of picks, the 76ers would have been just another bad team. But the draft and the countless scouting reports, mock drafts, and highlight tapes that came with it made the regular season somewhat bearable.
Sixers fans received a few months of optimism every summer after the draft for the past four years: they could see the high lottery pick thrive in action in Summer League play before he either picked up an injury or faced legitimate NBA competition in the regular season.