Former 76ers' GM Hinkie appreciated the Astros' process

Ex-NBA general manager Sam Hinkie can be counted among the proponents of the Houston Astros' World Series victory.

Of course.

It's no mystery why the 39-year-old appreciated the Astros' team-building philosophy; Hinkie deployed the same long-term vision in his first go-around in the NBA.

Hinkie infamously oversaw the early stages of the Philadelphia 76ers' rebuild from 2013-16. Dubbed "The Process" by basketball fans, the team took a passive approach to free agency and traded away veteran players in order to dramatically improve its chances of landing the top pick in the NBA draft.

Similarly, the Astros tallied a .333 record from 2011-13, setting the stage for their own rejuvenation through the MLB draft. World Series MVP George Springer, superstar shortstop Carlos Correa, and third baseman Alex Bregman were all selected in the first round from 2011-15, with other homegrown players like Jose Altuve, Dallas Keuchel, and Lance McCullers coming up through the team's minor-league system since the franchise bottomed out.

Without saying it, Hinkie's sentiment is clear: Regardless of sport, one must always Trust the Process.