The Sixer Sense
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NBA Rumors: Revisit 76ers Trade Okafor To Knicks

By Bret Stuter

Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) and center Jahlil Okafor (8) celebrate a score against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) and center Jahlil Okafor (8) celebrate a score against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) an forward Nerlens Noel (4) in a game against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Raptors won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) an forward Nerlens Noel (4) in a game against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Raptors won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Why This Deal Will Happen?

The Knicks have a window open this year, a window that closes at the end of this season. But the Knicks run the Triangle offense.  In that offense, only select players can thrive.  A center is a very specific need.  In a triangle offense, the Knicks need a center who can hold his position in the paint. That is nothing new. But that is something Jahlil Okafor can do.

"“They need a center with a big butt to hold space. They didn’t have anybody like that. It takes away a major portion of what you can do with the triangle because then it really becomes just a perimeter offense.” – Charley Rosen, longtime Phil Jackson, as interviewed by the New York Post"

And so, some basketball minds believe Okafor could be well suited for the Knicks.  But has anyone come right out and said as much?  Well yes. the Wall Street Journal identified Jahlil Okafor as the player the Knicks should seek.

Who Backs Up Embiid?

Right now, the Philadelphia 76ers have a clear future center in Joel Embiid.  The remainder of this season appears to be a rotation experimenting which player can play best off the bench, or line up next to him simultaneously.  So far, the verdict is that Jahlil Okafor may not be the best suited for playing alongside Embiid.

Or rather that Nerlens Noel is more compatible with Embiid.