Bold Prediction: Jahlil Okafor Will Compete For Top NBA Scorer

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Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (25) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) pose for a photo at a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Rising Tide Floats All Boats

In adding the likes of Sergio Rodriguez, Ben Simmons, and Dario Saric, the team has amped up ball movement. Coming off just 21.5 assists per game last year, that number could climb to 25 assists this year. Who will benefit the most?

Jahlil Okafor.

Similarly, the team has bolstered long range shooting for Ben Simmons. But Simmons can thread needles, and will deliver the ball to the hot hand. The hot hands of Jahlil Okafor will feast.

The team will not destroy the competition, but the 76ers will win games. And Gerald Henderson will be there to fan the flames of competitive spirit in his teammates. On those nights, Okafor’s flames will burn brightest.

The top scoring center in the NBA last season was Demarcus Cousins, whose 26.9 points per game came in at number four in the NBA. The second highest scoring center was Brook Lopez who came in at 20.6 points per game. Okafor can score in that neighborhood this year.

Simmons brings to Okafor what Rajon Rondo brought to Cousins, assists. Dario Saric brings to Okafor what Rudy Gay brought to Cousins, an alternate scorer with some three point range. Okafor will have the right pieces around him.

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