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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Mar 1, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Jahlil Okafor watches game between Villanova Wildcats and DePaul Blue Demons during the second half at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated DePaul, 83-62. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Jahlil Okafor watches game between Villanova Wildcats and DePaul Blue Demons during the second half at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated DePaul, 83-62. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Sixers Kneed Okafor

Right now, Jahlil Okafor is out with a sore shin and swelling in his knee.  At first, this was believed to be a minor shin injury with a game or two absence.  But with the season drawing to a close, and now with swelling in his knee, the team is using extreme caution when discussing the eventual return to the basketball court of their star rookie.

According to head coach Brett Brown:

"“Something felt just not perfect (in the knee). We’ve been treating his shin. During that whole procedure, we’re trying to figure out some swelling in his knee, some soreness in his knee. We’ve known about the knee. It’s way too premature to speculate in any direction. I do feel confident that what has been told to me will be true for the media, that we will know more soon. I can’t quantify what soon means, and then we will share it.”"

EDITORS NOTE:Just as the story went to publication, the following information became available:

If the team cannot safely return Okafor to the floor within the next several games, it’s conceivable that the team may simply shut him down and allow him to begin healing for the off-season and next year.  Playing the top offensive scorer at the end of a season with no true relevance beyond pride is a risky move, and one that no doubt the Philadelphia 76ers will not hesitate to avoid without a better understanding of the knee injury.

EDITORS NOTE:  On Friday, March 11, 2016, the Philadelphia 76ers revealed that Jahlil Okafor’s CT scan revealed a slight meniscus tear. Arthroscopic surgery is scheduled, and the team expects Okafor to sit out six weeks.

Next: Is Joel Embiid Behind Schedule?

For now, he rests on the sideline, joining fellow teammate and big man Joel Embiid. For now, the player, the team, and the fans must wait. Wait for a healthy knee, wait for another opportunity to see his play in action, wait for a new season.  Some have assumed that the team must move one of the three big men before the start of the 2016-2017 NBA season, but as the Sixers have discovered when trying to trade for a solid point guard from the Atlanta Hawks, some teams do well having two players at a critical position who can start.   And with the team’s recent run-in with injuries to both Noel and Okafor at the same time, it’s clear that the 82 game season in the NBA will require the team to ensure quality depth in order to contend.

Jahlil Okafor was a pleasant surprise this season.  But this was just his rookie year.   The best is yet to come.