The Sixer Sense
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What Can Sixers Expect From Sophomore Jahlil Okafor?

By Bret Stuter

Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles against Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles against Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Strong Starts Make Lasting Careers

It was important for the Philadelphia 76ers, boasting the youngest roster in the NBA, to react when stories of Jahlil Okafor began to surface about his youthful antics.  Despite the wealth of basketball analysis, the breaking TMZ story of Jahlil Okafor involved in a Boston fracas hit the Sixers front office in their Achilles heel.  What about the youth of the team?  The inexperience and immaturity was simply not part of the basketball analytics equation.

And so, the team began the methodical building of the infrastructure to address the unique needs of a young team.  First the team brought on Jerry Colangelo, who had earned the reputation as an NBA statesman.  Colangelo brought in Mike D’Antoni to assist the overstretched Brett Brown, as well as got the team to bring in Elton Brand to help mentor the young team.

But Colangelo did not stop there.  During a February 2nd 2016 interview, Colangelo stated that Noel was clearly a rim protecting center.   From that point on, the Philadelphia 76ers have renewed efforts to develop Jahlil Okafor at the power forward position.  Meanwhile, Colangelo began to address a different aspect of building a champion team.  He began to focus on the culture of the team.  The reason for this as an immediate priority is to give the Sixers a fighting chance of attracting the elite of the NBA to want to join the team, want to belong to the positive progress.  If you think players in the NBA only focus on records, think again.   Don’t take my word for it, just ask Dwight Howard:

So far, Okafor’s NBA career is certainly off to a solid start.  But his is not lauded, due in large part to the misfortunes of the team he plays for.

So far this season, Jahlil Okafor has averaged a team leading 17.5 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game, 1.15 blocks and .42 steals per game, on an average of 30 minutes per game. His offense is sound, and will likely improve in 2016. While it will be relative to how many minutes playing time he earns on a more crowded roster next season, it’s safe to expect that he can break the 20 points per game barrier, perhaps upwards of 21.0 points per game. His rebounds will likely grow as well, somewhere in the 7.5-9.0 rebounds per game range. Offensively, Jahlil Okafor will be a team leader.

Next: Focus On Defense