Marco Belinelli chose 76ers because he 'trusts the process'

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Veteran guard Marco Belinelli officially signed with the Philadelphia 76ers this week and he's already trying to endear himself to fans in his new city.

Belinelli, 31, is in his 11th NBA season. The No. 18 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft began his career with the Golden State Warriors. He also had stops with the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks waived the 2014 NBA champion on Friday.

He was asked why he chose his new team during an interview session with reporters Monday, before the Sixers beat the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

"Because I trust the process," Belinelli said. "I think I was lucky...I watched a couple times from other teams. I think you guys play really well. Play together on offense and defense. I really trust this kind of thing. The opportunity to work with the team and to make a run for the playoffs. It's going to be good for me. So I'm really happy and ready to play."

While he already put himself in good standing with Sixers fans by referencing the slogan made famous by big-man Joel Embiid, Belinelli took it to the next level on Tuesday.

He posted a photo on Twitter, photoshopping his face onto Rocky's body.

Belinelli wrote "Trust the process" for the caption.

"Marco fitting in just fine," the Sixers responded, in reference to Belinelli's tweet.

The veteran guard averaged 11.4 points and two assists per game in 52 contests for the Hawks this season. He started once.

Belinelli said the Oklahoma City Thunder, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers and the Raptors were among other teams interested in his services.