Process pioneer Hinkie would be 'delighted' to return to NBA

Sam Hinkie may not be done garnering trust in his processes.

The former NBA executive has been out of the league since April 6, 2016, when he announced he was stepping down as general manager and president of basketball operations with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Nearly two years later, Hinkie admitted to The Ringer's John Gonzalez he would relish a return to the league, provided the setting is right for him.

"I think there's a misconception because of the way I talk sometimes," Hinkie said. "I would be delighted in the right situation. I worked 11 years in the NBA, and eight of those I was not the top guy and loved it. Three of those I was and loved that, too, in a different way.

"I think it's more important to work with amazing people than it is your exact position."

Hinkie is widely credited with kickstarting the 76ers' fruitful but controversial rebuild, which led to the now-infamous "Trust the Process" motto.

The 40-year-old executive was responsible for drafting center Joel Embiid third overall in 2014, who then anointed himself with the nickname "The Process." Hinkie and Embiid have since maintained a positive relationship.

Hinkie also worked for the Houston Rockets, joining them in 2005 as a special assistant to the general manager before working his way up to executive vice president in 2010.