The Process worked. Sixers fans deserve an opportunity to thank Sam Hinkie, and Sam Hinkie deserves to be thanked.

Our modest ask: If the Sixers make the Eastern Conference Finals, Sam Hinkie should ring the bell before the opening home game.

First, some background. Sam Hinkie was hired as the Sixers President and General Manager following the 2012-2013 season. The Sixers managed 34 wins that year. It was, most importantly, the Andrew Bynum Season.

Then, The Process. Over the subsequent three years, the Sixers finished with 19, 18, and 10 wins. A horrific stretch, without question. But what metamorphosis isn't painful.

Over his 34-month tenure as the team's chief architect, Hinkie reconstituted each and every team asset as a bet on the future. Rosters turned over at a blinding pace. Fan favorites were shipped away for lottery tickets. Every decision was made in the service of a theoretical future-present that provided an opportunity for greatness.

Five years into The Process, and we find ourselves in that future-present. How do we know? As Hinkie helpfully instructed us three years ago, "You'll know. We'll all know." That, and the fact that the Sixers are now the oddsmakers' bet to make it out of the East. Last year, this team won 20 games. 

Just five years into this process, we humbly ask the Sixers brass to let us celebrate The Process.

Sixers: If the Sixers make the Eastern Conference Finals, Sam Hinkie must ring the bell before the opening home game.