The Sixer Sense
Fansided

What A Difference A Year Makes For Jahlil Okafor

By Bret Stuter

Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles against Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles against Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Connecting With Fans

The most important aspect of any professional sports player in Philadelphia – learning to connect with fans.  The greatest players for the Philadelphia have learned to tap into the passion of the fans.  As long as you are on the top of your game, it’s much easier to do.

But it has never been easy for Okafor.  Despite a tough situation, he performed well, very well. Still, his arrival has been clouded with a perception that he is not “Sixers material”.  Somehow, coming in as the third center has placed him unwittingly on the trading block, on the critique stage, and in the plans of amateur GM’s who want to see what we can get for trading him.

All Jahlil Okafor can do at this point is maintain focus, enter the new season in good spirits, and work his heart out.  But there is more to do as well – a subtle approach. Touch base with the fans:

Even more so, embrace the fans:

And with that, the maturity shows.  He is waxing into a significant persona in Philadelphia now. As he grows larger than life, that fan connection is the true tether.  And that connection to fans will give NBA teams reason to covet the young offensive wonder even more than they already do.

The ultimate test this season is Okafor’s ability to compete in the NBA, and make ultimate use of his playing time. Despite the debut of what may be an entirely new lineup, Jahlil Okafor must have the presence of mind to play within himself, and work hard to improve.

Next: Is Bismack Biyombo a Good Player for Nerlens Noel to Emulate?

After a 10-72 season, his mind and fortitude should be forged.  Now he simply needs to sharpen the edge and showcase his stuff.  Nothing wins fans over more readily than excelling at a sport, and no city is more sports-passionate than Philadelphia. Show up and play your heart out Jahlil Okafor. The rest will fall into place.