Bold Prediction: Jahlil Okafor Will Compete For Top NBA Scorer

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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 /

Post Game Specialist

To understand the potential upside of Jahlil Okafor, one must truly understand his game. He entered the NBA as a throwback to the old-school “back to the basket” center. He likes to shoot in the paint, and he’s very good at doing so.

Is that all he will ever do? It’s easy to acquiesce to social media pressure or conclude that it is what it is. But he’s more than just a one-shot center. Here are some highlights:

One of the things that jumps out to me is his uncanny moves. He lulls defenders into positioning, then bursts to outpace them to his shot. His shot is more than one version repeated. Okafor’s deep, yet polished, arsenal in the post consists of everything from hooks, flips, spins, up-and-unders and drop steps.

While he is at his best backing the defender up and knocking him off-balance with one shoulder, he can quick spin over the other for a one-handed bank. Smaller opponents cannot defend him. Against stronger bigger defenders, incredible body control and a quick first step allow Okafor to face up, attack and separate with a hop step.

Jahlil Okafor’s offensive game is the antithesis of small ball. The smaller NBA teams become, the more his style of offense will feast.

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