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Divergent Process: The Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic

By Zachary Bethel

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: JJ Redick #17 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate during the game against the Miami Heat in game five of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: JJ Redick #17 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate during the game against the Miami Heat in game five of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Jonathon Simmons, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 29: Jonathon Simmons #17 and Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic talk during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 29, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Building for the future

The fans do not want to sit through another six years of waste (though the next few seasons will likely be rough). And the NBA will not allow for it. The Lottery rules have changed and many more teams are trying to copy what the Philadelphia 76ers did.

Really, the Sixers rebuild was a comedy of errors that blossomed into success. Essentially, having three separate key rebuilding pieces not play for extended amounts of time cemented the franchise at the bottom of the league, securing great shots at Lottery picks.

It was a perfect collision of several factors that played in Philadelphia’s favor.

Furthermore, Philadelphia did not even use two of their initial main pieces, Michael Carter-Williams and Jahlil Okafor, as a part of the future, which made the process even longer. However you shape it, the Sixers’ misfortune turned into a great roster, something that is nearly impossible to recreate.

Regardless, Philadelphia still had to choose wisely in the drafts to actually accumulate a talented team. And yes, you could argue it is easy putting together a team as such with so many top-five picks.

But there are some trends in their acquisitions. They stuck with their initial goals, and their initial coach, Brett Brown.

Toward the end of Hennigan’s era, it seemed like the original ideas for the team were thrown out entirely. Hammond and Weltman must buy into their own process. Hennigan faltered on his own objectives, Hinkie unabashedly followed his.

The Magic have been a storied franchise within their short existence. Every five years there has been significant identities, but the franchise has maintained a face in the league. Orlando has failed to retain its league attention since Howard left. That may be one of the most significant reasons why the last six years have felt so hopeless.

What direction will Weltman and Hammond go now?

They claimed the first year would be one of evaluating all aspects of the organization. Now we are seeing a large number of turnover.

Who will be the next coach to attempt to right the ship? Who will be the new addition come draft night? Only time can tell.

Next: Former Orlando Magic assistant regrets injuries held team back

But if the 76ers’ process has proved anything, it is good fortune and patience can lead to some wild success.