The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Bold Prediction: Jahlil Okafor Will Compete For Top NBA Scorer

By Bret Stuter

Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) attempt to dribbles past the defense of Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) attempt to dribbles past the defense of Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 30, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown instructs during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The 76ers defeated the Kings 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 30, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown instructs during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The 76ers defeated the Kings 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Moving Pieces

He was a rookie who was trying to fit among the many moving parts on the Philadelphia 76ers team last season.  On many nights, he merely out-talented his way through. On some nights he could not.  In spite of his offensive prowess, he was still a rookie after all.

Rookies need predictability, structure, limited variables. Once mastered, then the player can take on new variables.

From day one, Jahlil Okafor was given near chaos.  With 33 percent of the team recovering from injury, he was forced to play and focus on scoring only. The attention of the head coach was so immersed in fixing roster holes, that he could not dedicate the time nor attention needed to build harmony among Okafor and Noel.

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