The Sixer Sense
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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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Mar 1, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Jahlil Okafor watches game between Villanova Wildcats and DePaul Blue Demons during the second half at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated DePaul, 83-62. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Jahlil Okafor watches game between Villanova Wildcats and DePaul Blue Demons during the second half at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated DePaul, 83-62. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Is Ripe

While its easy to dictate what the team should do, factors of the NBA seldom align with our wishes.  Much like Allen Iverson, a player with great offensive talent, good things only happen when the team provides the right scheme and teammates.

For now, Jahlil Okafor is a post game specialist.  Since he is so very young and so very new to the NBA, he could metamorphosis into any number of roles.  Meanwhile, the NBA is trending to smaller faster perimeter shooters.

Should the Philadelphia 76ers stick with Okafor, the team has a very powerful offensive weapon to rely upon going forward.

Much of the team’s hope lies in the newly arriving faces.  But there is a reason “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”.  Okafor is known, can score, and will improve tremendously as the talent around him improves.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers Post 2016 NBA Draft Reexam

It will all come down to opportunity.  While the team has invested quite a bit to develop Joel Embiid, Okafor can pick up the remaining minutes and play great offense.  Is there room on the 76ers for a front court scoring threat? As the NBA goes small, there had better be.