Philadelphia 76ers Okafor Wood Incident Raises Questions

Nov 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) boxes out against Minnesota Timberwolves center

(32) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Timberwolves win 100-95 over the 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

Timing

The timing of the incident is in the midst of a losing streak in the midst of a road trip in the midst of a team rebuild.  Yes, this is year three, but this incident immediately follows the #SaveJahlil video released earlier in the week.  While the video is a parody of sorts, the exit scene of Jahlil Okafor banging off the tunnel walls left a deep impression on me.  He is frustrated.   If heckling by fans of the opposing team can incite him to a flash point, that is a second indication of the fragility of the team’s mindset.

Losing happens, but it takes the wisdom of experiencing losing to understand that it’s part of a competitive sport, and is necessary to grow, develop, and improve both an individual and team dynamics.  Are the two incidents related? Was heckling a major component of the blow up?  If this reaction was this strong in one 76er player, how many are powder kegs just waiting for the wrong word or event to blow up?  Is this team falling apart, or is this experience bringing about a circling of wagons?

Are we witness a team forming before our eyes, or the disintegration of one?

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