“He is one of the best general managers I have ever dealt with,” NBA Agent Chris Patrick told Sixers Front Office, referencing his experience working with former general manager, Sam Hinkie. “He was punctual, he always called me back, and I have dealt with general managers who were not punctual or professional.”
On April 6, 2016, Hinkie stepped away from the Philadelphia 76ers. Reports, such as an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer titled Sixers’ reputation with agents could hurt them, painted a convenient narrative for a franchise that currently sits without a general manager over two years later.
“I don’t think the Sixers would be where they are today without him,” Patrick explained. “Ownership was not being patient.”
Chris Patrick is a managing partner of The Sports Law Group, PLLC, and he has ties with the organization through his prior affiliation with 2017-18 first-team-defender Robert Covington. In July of 2017, Covington switched agencies to CAA Sports, but Patrick was by Covington’s side through the process era and is a large part of why RoCo is a member of the 76ers today.
Presently, Patrick’s clients are Davis Bertans of the San Antonio Spurs, Damyean Dotson of the New York Knicks, and Eric Moreland, who spent last season with the Detroit Pistons and is currently a free agent. With regards to a former client, 2017-18 was Covington’s 4th year with Philadelphia and head coach Brett Brown. Patrick spoke highly of Brown as well.
“I love, love, love Brett Brown,” Patrick said. “The players and agents love him as well. Brett would call me, and we’d work on plans for Covington in the offseason.”
Covington averaged 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals for the Sixers this past season. He, along with TJ McConnell and Richaun Holmes, were non-first-round gems that Hinkie was able to find, sticking with the team up until this past season. On July 2o, Holmes was traded to the Phoenix Suns for cash.
Pedro Power, the current agent of Richaun Holmes spoke with Sixers Front Office, as well, about his encounters with Sam Hinkie. Powers informed us that he still speaks with Hinkie to this day.
“Sam has respected me and treated me with nothing but respect,” said Power. “We still talk. Every now and then I run into him at the Summer League. He is great.”
On the same day Holmes was traded, his mother spoke to Sixers Front Office on The Burner Podcast and like Patrick and Power, she spoke glowingly of the former GM of the 76ers.
“When Sam Hinkie was there, Sam Hinkie took us into his office, explained some of the decisions that he made, and he welcomed Richaun with open arms,” Dr. Lydecia Holmes told The Burner. “Sam Hinkie, for me, was one who just took time to talk to the family and explain the direction that Philadelphia was going.”
Perception is reality. As seen in the Philadelphia Inquirer article, the media carved out a narrative that placed Hinkie in a negative light. Patrick and Power told Sixers Front Office that they didn’t see why at all.
Power told us that Richaun Holmes is thrilled about his trade to Phoenix. He sees it as an exciting opportunity. As for his relationship with Richaun’s mother – he thinks she’s awesome and adamantly asked for the link to the podcast.
