Philadelphia 76ers Will Save Jahlil, Duke Fans

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dario Saric (Croatia) reacts after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Cavalry Is Coming

In today’s world, everything is judged by time, with the slower events falling into the “that’s bad” category. But some things take time, and rightfully so.

Center Jahlil Okafor was drafted as the best player available for the Philadelphia 76ers, which at the time the center spot was a position of strength for the Sixers. Nerlens Noel worked hard in the off-season to develop shots and skills to migrate to the power forward role, and Joel Embiid simply remained injured, paving the way for the team to fall to Okafor for this season.  But Jahlil Okafor had areas of improvement as well, his defense.  It was the concern of the Los Angeles Lakers about that defense that allowed him to fall to the Philadelphia 76ers.  But so far, he is learning how to block and rebound wonderfully.

Jahlil Okafor is a bright star in the future of the NBA, but he is not alone in becoming recognized for excellent play as a rookie. His teammate, T.J. McConnell has also been recognized for his performance as a point guard.

But this season is only the first stop on the journey.  In the 2016 NBA draft, the Sixers will be drafting five new players.  The 2015-2016 will also give plenty of time for the Sixers to develop undrafted players, as well as set the team up for the return of Dario Saric and Joel Embiid.

In 2016, European Dario Saric will return to the NBA, and bring his versatility with him.  He can line up at either the small forward or power forward, and excels in both looks in Europe.  He’s got nice arsenal of shots, can work the ball or the boards, and is that ‘duct tape” which the 76ers need so desperately right now.  This is a clip of some highlights.

If you aren’t willing to believe that he will return to the NBA, then consider the Sixers are currently projecting to draft in two of the top five NBA picks in the 2016 draft. In addition, first round selection Joel Embiid will finally make his NBA debut in the 2016-2017 season.

So yeah, learning to handle defeat like a champion may be something which the Duke basketball program does not emphasize. But sacrificing to achieve victory oftentimes requires placing immediate gratification to the side in the belief that greater success can be found later.

Next: Sixers Fall To Celtics 84-80

I believe this season, painful as it is, serves its purpose. When the team tastes the sweetness of true NBA success, the lessons and camaraderie of this early challenge will remain meaningful.  You see, to truly understand the meaning of being at the top, you must understand the work to get there, and the meaning at the bottom.  He who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.

In the long run, the Philadelphia 76ers may be saving Jahlil Okafor after all.