Coincidence or not, with Hinkie gone, mood around Sixers is upbeat

THE BALLS were bouncing the same as always Monday in the 76ers practice facility at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. As has also become the norm, Joel Embiid made an appearance on the court - after the six participants of the predraft workout were done - and showed signs that his twice surgically repaired right foot is able to do a little bit more.

The 7-2 center shot some jumpers, at times landing solely on his right foot. He practice some finesse shots around the rim and sprinkled in a few power moves that ended in thunderous dunks. As usual, it was a little bit of a tease as to what he might be able to do in the future. Something we've seen way too much over the past couple of years.

Plenty of people filled the gym, from coach Brett Brown to president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo to assistant coaches to others who seemed to be analytical types.

In that sense, it was not much difference from the past three seasons. But the feeling was far from the same. It was as if three years of rain suddenly became a day of beautiful sunshine, and it had nothing to do with the performances of Saint Joseph's star DeAndre' Bembry or Villanova's Josh Hart, a key member in the Wildcats' championship run. Smiles were quicker and broader. It wasn't "Ding dong the witch is dead" happy, but noticeably more upbeat.

For the first time in three years, the Sixers held a workout for potential draft picks, and they let the world know it. Media were allowed to be there, watch a good portion of the workout and even talk to the players afterward. New vice president of player personnel Marc Eversley, who worked under Colangelo in Toronto, came forth to give his thoughts about a little bit of everything he has seen since joining the organization from the Washington Wizards only 12 days ago. The day was one of transparency, one of a confident group willing to share its thoughts. A day that hasn't happened in quite some time. Three years, to be exact. There was no sneaking players in back doors, as former general manager Sam Hinkie did with Andrew Wiggins, and no rushing players into waiting cars, which happened with DeAngelo Russell. No apologizing doughnuts and gift cards to the media for playing hide and seek. Just upfront openness and honesty.

Hinkie's world was one of secrecy and, quite frankly, paranoia. He tried to hide whom he was working out before the draft to, in his words, "keep a competitive advantage." That everyone knew whom they were working out - because agents talk and so do young players - didn't matter to Hinkie. He leaned on that "competitive advantage" saying like a crutch. But you just had the feeling Hinkie's true reasoning was different.

I often thought he hid information because he wasn't totally confident in what he was doing. Then I thought that he just didn't care about who knew what and that his was the only thought that mattered.

Perhaps both thoughts were correct. And maybe part of his process of keeping to himself so much was what made so many uneasy to work for or with him.

That isn't to knock the work Hinkie did, but rather to shed light into maybe why things didn't work out for him to stay longer than three seasons. And it isn't to say that Colangelo's arrival will be the answer moving this organization forward. But if early signs are any indication, this type of atmosphere lends itself to success.

While no one would dare come out and directly say how freeing it is to work for the Sixers now, there is no denying many are in a happier place. The moving forward now seems to have a more positive feel about it. And perhaps that good karma will carry over into Tuesday's draft lottery, in which the Sixers will find out their draft night fate.

"I got in late (Sunday) night, so this is my first day here in Philly," said Eversley, a respected talent evaluator, something Hinkie didn't have his last couple of seasons. "This is a great basketball town. Bryan's got a definite plan in place for the organization. I'm looking to be a part of that. I'm excited. Definitely.

"It's a great sports town, a lot of rich history here, from Mo Cheeks to Charles Barkley to Allen Iverson. From an outsider looking in, this felt like a great opportunity. There is immense upside here. I'm looking forward to being part of something and building something. I'm excited and looking forward to the challenge. Bryan gets active. Working with him in Toronto and building a team there, he's a mentor to me, and he's helped me with my development and my growth over the years. He has a clear vision and a path for this franchise and where he wants to take it and I'm happy to be a part of that."

Excited and happy. Two words you did not hear from many around the organization the past few years.

Hinkie did a great job of putting the Sixers in the position they are now in, with many tools to help them improve. That is without question. The mood around the organization since his departure also seems immensely improved. That is also without question.

@BobCooney76

Blog: philly.com/Sixersblog