PHILADELPHIA — David Fizdale says his club may have an edge over the 76ers’ rebuilding program — nicknamed “The Process’’ — because of a certain 7-foot-3 big man.

Though there’s still no definitive timetable on Kristaps Porzingis’ return from ACL surgery, Fizdale has hinted recently he will have him back this season.

“We have Kristaps in the wings,’’ Fizdale said before the New York Knicks’ 117-91 blowout loss Wednesday night. “That’s one thing a little different than what Brett [Brown, Sixers coach] went through. They were trying to figure out all those young guys. With Kristaps sitting in the wings, that could fast-track us a little more.”

It could also rejuvenate rookie Kevin Knox if Porzingis comes back in January or February. Fizdale still wouldn’t commit to whether Porzingis will be cleared to practice in December.

“We’ve lost some close games to top teams,’’ Knox said. “We can compete with the best of them. The Sixers had a long process with a lot of injuries. I don’t think it will take us that long.”

The Sixers, of course, passed on Porzingis at No. 3 to take Jahlil Okafor, who became a bust, because the Latvian refused to work out for the Sixers.

Knox and Porzingis still haven’t done drills together. Porzingis hasn’t been seen around the team lately because the Knicks have played 11 of 15 games on the road, concluding here Wednesday. In fact, Porzingis wasn’t even on the bench during the most recent home game, Friday versus New Orleans.

“I talk to him a lot in the locker room and see him in court and watch him shoot,’’ Knox said. “We haven’t worked on anything like that. He’s back there doing whatever he has to do to get back as soon as possible. I can’t wait to get him back on the court.’

Knox and Porzingis connecting has been fantasized about since the Las Vegas summer league. Knox has struggled without him.

“All the time,’’ Knox said when asked if he thinks about Porzingis’ return. “It will be great to get him on the court and get the connection going a bit see how it is to play with an All-Star. It will be pretty fun when he gets back. Hopefully we’ll connect.’’

Mid-December will mark the 10-month mark since Porzingis’ ACL surgery. If he isn’t back practicing in the next week or so, there’s no chance he’ll return for a Merry Kristaps when the Knicks face the Bucks, against whom he tore up his knee. Porzingis said earlier this month his rehab was “close’’ to ending.