Philadelphia 76ers Should Build Around Duke Center Jahlil Okafor

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Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) shoots against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Jahlil Okafor

First on the roster is that of 6’10” rookie center Jahlil Okafor

He is the centerpiece of this scenario and for good reason. His offense in one year nearly rivals that of big man Malone in the post game, and Okafor is just getting started. When he faced his rookie center rivals, his game clearly stood out. The true breakout should happen in the 2016-2017 season when he returns to an NBA he is now familiar with. Malone was at 20.7 points per game in his rookie season per 100 possessions. Okafor set his starting line at a much more impressive 28.6. While Malone already had 3.4 blocks per 100 his rookie year, Okafor came in at a more modest 1.9 blocks per 100.

If the Sixers need a “winner” template, then they need look no further than the 1983 Sixers. That team was pulled together by the heroics of Moses Malone. The closest thing the Philadelphia 76ers have to him is Jahlil Okafor.

Okafor was not the Philadelphia 76ers prime target at three in the 2015 NBA draft, but sometimes the greatest inventions and events happen by random chance. What he brought to the Sixers team was an offensive presence, despite the fact that the team was not set up to help his game in the least.

He routinely scored against older more seasoned opponents, and his offense was oftentimes the lone bright spot on some pretty dark games. He made the best out of a very bad situation, and should be afforded an opportunity to make something great out of a good one.

Next: Nerlens Noel