The Trust The Process era of the Sixers remains one of the most memorable eras of Philadelphia 76ers basketball. It was the start of a promising era that showcased youth and talent. Led by Joel Embiid, the movement looked like it was going to finally bring a championship back to Philadelphia.

But unfortunately, roughly eight years later, the Sixers have yet to win a single championship. While the Sixers have become a legitimate title contender throughout these years, we’ve also witnessed them suffer early playoff exits. And to make matters worse, they’ve never even made the Finals.

After eight years, the Process seems to be looking like a failure. Aside from the early playoff exits, most of its players from the Process have left the franchise. In fact one of the best players from that era, Ben Simmons, could be headed out as well after a disappointing performance in the playoffs.

And speaking of these players from the Process, most of them aren’t in the league anymore. However, there are a handful who’ve found success elsewhere after leaving the franchise. For this piece, let’s take a look at five players who became more successful after leaving the Process.

Dario Saric

Hailing from Croatia, Saric was one of the highly touted prospects that would take part in The Process. After playing two seasons in Europe, Saric wasted no time in making an impact for the Sixers squad. In a little over two seasons, he averaged 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. But despite his production, the organization would eventually make him a part of the trade package for disgruntled star, Jimmy Butler.

Individually, Saric had his best numbers in Philly. In fact, he didn’t even want to leave in the first place.

Although his numbers were great in Philly, Saric actually found more team success while playing for the Suns. He is part of the Suns squad that ended their playoff drought after 11 years. But more importantly, Saric would also help the squad reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.

Although Saric barely played in the Finals due to a torn ACL, he played a vital role in the Suns’ campaign throughout the season. Saric was a solid role player for Williams’ system. In the season, he averaged 8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds coming off the bench. Among the original young players from the Process, Saric is the first one to make an appearance in the NBA Finals.

Javale McGee

In a brief stint, Javale McGee actually joined the infamous process after getting traded by the Nuggets for almost nothing during the ‘14-‘15 season. McGee arguably had the worst stint for any team in his career with the Sixers. In six games, he only averaged 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in limited minutes.

However after leaving the Sixers, McGee would go on to win three NBA championships. He was part of the Warriors squad that accomplished the two-peat from 2017 to 2018. Furthermore, McGee was also part of the Lakers championship team that captured its 17th title in the NBA bubble.

In terms of championships won, McGee is arguably the most successful player after taking part in the process.

Jerami Grant

In his time with the Sixers, Jerami Grant was more of a project as part of the process. Drafted 39th overall by the Sixers and handpicked by Sam Hinkie, Grant had a lot of potential. In a little over two seasons with the Sixers, he averaged 8.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per outing.

Unfortunately, the Sixers would not enjoy the fruits of their investment in the Syracuse standout. Grant would be shipped to the Thunder in exchange for Ersan Ilyasova and a first round pick that would become Tyrese Maxey.

Grant’s breakout in the league would come with the Thunder, averaging 13.6 points per outing. He would also have a solid showing with the Nuggets in the postseason. Grant averaged 11.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, as he was part of the historic Nuggets team that climbed back from a 1-3 deficit in two consecutive playoff series of the same postseason.

After a spectacular showing with the Nuggets, that saw him shine as a reliable 3-and-D player, Grant inked a lucrative three-year, $60 million deal with the Pistons. And in his first year with the team, Grant notched career-highs in his production. He averaged 22.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per outing last season which saw him as the go-to-guy of a rebuilding Pistons squad.

Christian Wood

Like Grant, Christian Wood was relatively raw when he played for the Sixers. After going undrafted, the Sixers signed him up to a couple of short term deals. In his stint with the process, Wood averaged only 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in just 17 games.

It certainly didn’t help his cause when Wood was involved in a heated street altercation alongside top draft pick Jahil Okafor. And to make room for veteran Elton Brand at that time, the Sixers ultimately waived their undrafted rookie.

However, fortunately for Wood, he would go on to succeed with the Pelicans and then with the Pistons in the following year. For the first time in his career, Wood would finish with double-figures in terms of averages in points.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid next to two crossed flags: one for the United States of America and the other for France

Ben Strauss ·

76ers' Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Nick Nurse and Knicks' Tom Thibodeau, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby

Sam DiGiovanni ·

76ers Knicks prediction

Cameron Zunkel ·

And after a solid showing with the Pistons, Wood signed with the Rockets on a three-year, $41 million deal. Since then, Wood has been one of the bright spots for the rebuilding Rockets squad, who are trying to move on from James Harden’s departure.

Last season, Wood averaged career-highs 21.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per outing. Because of this, the Rockets may see him as a critical rebuilding piece for their future.

T.J. McConnell

T.J. McConnell was one of the bright spots for the Sixers during the Process era. With top draft pick Markelle Fultz still failing to play like a lottery pick at that time, McConnell was the backup guard that provided the much-needed spark for the Sixers. In fact, despite being signed on a non-guaranteed deal, he has even provided heroics for the team including this one.

In four seasons with the Sixers, the undrafted guard averaged 6.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per outing. His hustle and energy off the bench made him the best back-up to Ben Simmons at the guard position. But after McConnell became a free agent, he signed with the Pacers on a more stable two-year, $7 million contract.

And after leaving the Process, McConnell would shine with the Pacers. Last season, he accumulated the most steals by any player with 128. McConnell also finished second in the league, in terms of steals per game with 1.9. Aside from leading the league in total steals, McConnell also saw career-highs in his production. He averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game.

And after a spectacular season, McConnell would re-sign with the Pacers and proudly expressed that Indiana is where he belongs.

After recently signing a new deal, McConnell said, “This is what I wanted. A longer-term deal with a team and city that my family and and I have fallen in love with. This is a first-class organization from top to bottom and I love playing and living here.”