A decade ago, the Philadelphia 76ers embarked on one of the most infamous rebuilds in NBA history: The Process. What started as an ambitious plan to stockpile assets and build a championship contender through the draft has ultimately resulted in disappointment, missed opportunities, and a single second-round playoff ceiling. Now, ten years later, it’s time to take a hard look at the decisions that shaped this era—most of which have aged poorly.
The Draft Blunders: Wasted Picks and What-Ifs
The Sixers’ draft history since 2013 is a cautionary tale. Trading away franchise point guard Jrue Holiday for Nerlens Noel, a one-dimensional center with a short-lived impact, was the first mistake. But the real disasters came in back-to-back years with Markelle Fultz (2017) and Ben Simmons (2016).
Fultz was supposed to be the dynamic playmaker the Sixers needed, but his well-documented shooting struggles and injuries made him a bust in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Simmons, a player once compared to LeBron James, crumbled under playoff pressure, refused to develop a jump shot, and ultimately forced his way out of town, leaving the Sixers with little return for a former No. 1 overall pick.
Even in years they drafted well, they failed to capitalize. Mikal Bridges, a perfect fit for their roster, was inexplicably traded on draft night in 2018 for Zhaire Smith—who barely saw the court before injuries and health issues derailed his career.
The Jimmy Butler Mistake and the Tobias Harris Overpay
Perhaps the most devastating miscalculation was choosing Tobias Harris over Jimmy Butler in 2019. Butler was the gritty, clutch performer the Sixers desperately needed, yet the front office prioritized Harris, an overpaid role player who has failed to deliver in big moments. Butler went on to lead the Miami Heat to multiple deep playoff runs, while the Sixers have remained stuck in mediocrity.
The Embiid Dilemma: A Superstar Who Can’t Stay on the Court
Joel Embiid is undeniably one of the most dominant centers in the league when healthy—but that’s the problem. His availability has become a major concern, with injuries consistently sidelining him at the worst possible times. The Sixers have built their entire franchise around a player who, despite his talent, has struggled to stay on the court when it matters most.
The Lone Bright Spot: Tyrese Maxey
If there’s one glimmer of hope, it’s Tyrese Maxey. Drafted 21st overall in 2020, Maxey has blossomed into an electrifying guard, showing the kind of work ethic and development that players like Simmons never did. He’s the one success story in an era defined by missteps, and if the Sixers have any chance of salvaging this mess, it will likely be through him.
A Decade of Wasted Potential
Looking back, The Process was more of a failure than a success. The Sixers had the assets, the picks, and the opportunities to build a dynasty, but mismanagement, poor draft selections, and bad roster decisions have left them in a cycle of early playoff exits. While other teams have rebuilt and retooled successfully, Philadelphia is still trying to figure out what went wrong.
If the Sixers hope to finally break free from this decade-long purgatory, they’ll need to rethink their approach—and fast. Because right now, The Process looks more like The Failure.
