The kickstarter of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ famous “Trust The Process” era, Sam Hinkie, took to social media to react to a Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics.
While Hinkie infrequently reacts to 76ers moments, Saturday’s accomplishment was special.
The Sixers defeated the Boston Celtics in a playoff series for the first time since 1982. It was the first Game 7 win of Joel Embiid’s career.
Sam Hinkie And The 76ers
(Getty)NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 26: A video screen shows the selection of Joel Embiid of Kansas as the #3 overall pick in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
In 2005, Hinkie landed in the NBA as a special assistant to the General Manager of the Houston Rockets. Five years later, Hinkie had an Executive Vice President title, working under the current Sixers President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey.
When the 76ers were turning a page in 2013, Hinkie landed the General Manager position for the Josh Harris era Sixers.
Hinkie’s performance as the leader of the 76ers’ front office depends on who you ask. Some would simply sum up his run as a ton of losing. Others, especially in Philadelphia, considered him successful for setting the Sixers up for a promising future.
The former Sixers GM was the one to select Joel Embiid in the 2014 NBA Draft. Embiid’s successful career is still going, but he’s been putting together a Hall of Fame resume since debuting a couple of seasons after recovering from injuries.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Two years later, Hinkie would step down from his position. His decision came months after the Sixers hired Jerry Colangelo to join Hinkie in the front office. It is widely believed that the league forced the move due to Hinkie’s strategic ways, which included tanking for high draft odds.
Hinkie hasn’t worked in the NBA since stepping down. He doesn’t speak on the Sixers tenure much, but when he does, Sixers fans enjoy applauding him for the way he set the organization up, selecting the one-time MVP, Joel Embiid.