What We’ve Learned About This Season So Far
By Josh Wilson
Nov 14, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (L) and San Antonio Spurs center Boris Diaw (R) battle for the ball on the floor during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jahlil Okafor is a monster
We knew he was going to be good, but did we anticipate him being this good, this early? Most didn’t think Jahlil Okafor could be this good so early on. I had him pegged as a 12-15 point per game guy, while having troubles on defense and at the foul line. Now, the defensive struggles are there, but he’s quieted his doubters from the free throw line, shooting 64.4%. It has been concerning that he missed some critical free throws (see his fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic), but we’ll let that slide as a one-time thing, at least for now.
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In his first 10 games, he has scored double digits nine times.
Okafor has inserted his name as a top contender, especially for his age. In his first few games, he was making himself one of five, one of three, and one of one in some categories, specifically in points. Okafor, through 10 games, had himself as the third player all time in points scored for a teenager in his first 10 games of his career. The only two above him were Dajuan Wagner and Kevin Durant (only trailed Wagner by two points, Durant by 201).
Considering through age 21, which adds a lot more legendary players to the mix like Michael Jordan (the leader in this instance), Allen Iverson, and Paul Pierce, Okafor was still just 19th on that list. For his age, and even for a rookie in general, what Okafor is doing offensively is remarkable.
For all centers 21 and under in their first 10 games of their career, Okafor is third all time in points scored in the first 10 games, trailing just Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon.
It can be considered even more remarkable given that this is a changing time for the center position, and Okafor does things differently than most centers who are expected to space the floor. Okafor dominates the paint like a classic big man, and does it well.
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