Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center
Jahlil Okafor(8) shoots during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jahlil Okafor as The INCREDIBLE HULK
Jahlil SMASH! Okay… not the same ring to it. But when we’re talking sheer power, I don’t think there are many in the NBA who can stand toe to toe with Jahlil Okafor. He brings a raw “old school” style of game that truly bears a great deal of resemblance to that played by former 76er great Moses Malone.
The accident that turned mild mannered Bruce Banner into the green rage monster changed his life forever. And without the rage, he was a brilliant scientist in his own right. But when powered up, he was one of the most dominant physical forces in the Marvel Universe.
But is Jahlil powerful? Let’s let youtube do the talking:
Jahlil Okafor may not be gamma powered, nor a rage monster, but I don’t hesitate to claim he is the most intimidating physical force on the Philadelphia 76ers. You see, he plays the post, that invaluable real estate under the basket where big bodies collide like asteroids. And does he have moves? You bet. But where does a big hulking guy learn such poise, such balance?
"“People will say now on TV, Oh, my god, how does he have such great footwork for a big man? It’s because he’s been doing these drills for five years. Jahlil is not by happenstance. He’s by design.” – Okafor trainer Rick Lewis"
Jahlil met up with Rick Lewis in February 2010 based on a recommendation to his parents by a friend. The Okafors were immediately impressed with Lewis’ plan for their son. Lewis was an admirer of classic big men: Olajuwon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ralph Sampson, Patrick Ewing and Tim Duncan. The plan for Jahlil was to draw on those influences to make him a complete, throwback center—and it started with his feet. And that meant cones on a gym floor, each year.
It was destiny that placed Bruce Banner into the path of gamma radiation. It was destiny that placed Jahlil Okafor in the path of Rick Lewis. In either case, the result is a force to be reckoned with!
Next: HAWKEYE