Jahlil Okafor
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 275
Wingspan: 7-foot-5
Strengths: Strong post presence who can take over the game offensively. His ability to generate points despite double and triple teaming is a throw back to the back-to-the-basket days of yesteryear. He already is averaging 21.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per 36 minutes of play.
Weaknesses: As much as he does very well, it’s easy to overlook the challenges of his rookie season, and playing merely 53 games. To achieve his full potential, he will need to become a bigger presence defensively near the basket. His strong post games masks the limits to other aspects of his game.
Fit to Team Scheme: He needs the scheme to bend towards his strengths. Last season, the 76ers simply hadn’t enough perimeter help to force the defense out of the paint. That should change going forward.
Platinum Tier Requirement: As with Joel Embiid, to achieve platinum tier for an NBA center, Okafor will need to score 25.0 points per game, as well as pull down 14 rebounds per game, and block 2.5 shots per game. While the offense could certainly happen, defensively that may be somewhat of a challenge
Gold Tier Requirement: The top 10% of the NBA tier would require Jahlil Okafor to score 18.5 points per game, as well as 11.5 rebounds per game, and block 2.25 shots per game. Offensively, he’s there.
Silver Tier Requirement: The top 21% of the NBA tier would need Embiid to contribute 16.0 points per game, as well as 11.0 rebounds per game, and block 1.9 shots per game.
Likely tier projection: Gold. While he will fall short of blocks per game, his offense could land in the mid 20’s this year, and perhaps even to 30 points per game next season. Even though he is not the quickest nor best passer, he would benefit tremendously from a well run Pace Space Pass offense.
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