Sam Hinkie speaks on Daryl Morey, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and more

Our savior has risen. On Friday afternoon, ESPN’s Pablo Torre dropped an interview with former 76ers GM Sam Hinkie out of nowhere. This comes shortly after the 76ers hiring of former Rockets GM Daryl Morey to be their President of Basketball Operations. Hinkie sat down with Torre to discuss a wide variety of topics on the 76ers.
Starting off hot Hinkie said “He isn’t a good hire, he’s a great hire” when talking about the addition of Daryl Morey. Shortly after Hinkie reaffirmed he still loves the city of brotherly love and cares very much for Joel. Hinkie mentioned him and Joel still talk often.
Continuing on Embiid, Hinkie discussed Joel during the draft and the ability he saw in him on the defensive side of the ball. Sam went as far to say he had DPOTY potential at the time.
Torre brought up the idea of trading Ben or Joel to which Hinkie scoffed at to no surprise. Saying “Don’t people remember what it took to get them?”.
Another note was made by Sam on the idea of trading one of Joel/Ben that sounded an awful lot like the idea of trading Ben Simmons for James Harden. Hinkie mentioned sarcastically to go ahead and trade your young star for someone who is a bit older and better now, you’ll end your party sooner.
Coming from Hinkie it is no shock that he would never think of moving these two and with his relationship with Morey, it likely means they share the same idea.
On the 76ers current roster construction, Hinkie said they aren’t in a great spot and it won’t be a quick fix. This isn’t shocking news at all as the 76ers are likely to be active in the trade market this offseason.
When discussing Ben Simmons, Hinkie made some notes on what he wants to see Simmons improve on. While agreeing he’s a fantastic player currently, Sam wants to see Simmons use both hands around the rim and finish strong through contact. Hinkie thinks if he uses his strength and shoots a bit more often, he will become one of the leagues best.
Lastly, when asked if he ever would return to the NBA Hinkie replied with “0% chance”. He also made a note that you shouldn’t break up Ben and Joel. It is always great to hear from Hinkie and everyone can agree there are high hopes about this new front office.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports