In each installment of “The Crossover”, Jack Cahill will provide analysis of the progress of the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Trust the process” is something Sixer fans have been accustomed to hearing over these last few seasons. After a miraculous playoff run in the 2011-2012 season, the Sixers have found themselves under 500 in every season since. The failure of center Andrew Bynum, the trading of point guard Jure Holiday, and the injuries of the recent draft picks have all contributed to a series of pathetic showings for the Sixers. However, this season is showing the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to draft selections and offseason moves, Sixer fans are hoping that this is the start of the future we were promised years ago.

The draft is the way most franchises build, and thankfully for the Sixers, their picks have finally worked out. Center Nerlens Noel, the sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft, is emerging as a defensive presence. Center Joel Embiid, the third overall pick in the 2014 draft, is on the court after two years of absence due to injuries. Center Jahlil Okafor, the third overall pick in the 2015 draft, is becoming one of the best offensive centers in the game.

With the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, the Sixers selected power forward Ben Simmons, one of the most hyped college players in recent memory. Although Simmons is currently out due to a foot injury, his talent can only benefit the Sixers in the future.

This year is also positive for Sixer fans because for the first time in what seems like a while, the Sixers had a decent to good offseason. It all started with the firing of GM Sam Hinkie. Hinkie became the antagonist for Sixer fans as he continually traded away talent for future draft picks. It now seems the Sixers are ready to win now and not continually prepare for the future.

Competent and consistent guard play in something the Sixers have struggled with since the trading of Holiday. This year, the Sixers signed point guards Jerryd Bayless and Sergio Rodriguez and shooting guard Gerald Henderson. Rodriguez is currently running the point while Bayless is dealing with injuries, but both provide stability at the point guard position. Henderson brings with him a strength that the Sixers have needed for years: a veteran presence on the court and in the locker room. While not an all-star caliber player, Henderson provides consistency for a position that was formerly a mess. The Sixers also acquired power forward Ersan Ilyasova and a first round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for power forward Jerami Grant. Ilyasova provides experience as well as three point shooting for the Sixers.

The future looks bright for the Sixers and their fans. The fans are hoping the process will finally show some progress. After years of waiting and struggling, the team looks like they are ready to compete. Although their record isn’t outstanding whatsoever, and it will probably be another few more years for the Sixers to really start to dominate, the team this year at least gives fans hope and a reason to watch.