5 Ways Jahlil Okafor Refined Philadelphia 76ers Process

Nov 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles past Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles past Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Center Jahlil Okafor has been a focus of trade rumors, social media debates, and proof of Sam Hinkie’s recklessness. In reality, he is an integral component of the Philadelphia 76ers rebuild

Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor has brought controversy to the Philadelphia 76ers.  Or rather, from the moment he was drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers third in the 2015 NBA Draft, controversy has dogged him like a shadow on a bright sunny day.

READ MORE ABOUT Jahlil Okafor Here

The narrative about the who, the where, the when, the why, and the how Jahlil Okafor arrived onto the roster of the Philadelphia 76ers is a complex narrative that could be a novel unto itself.  This article is not that.

But in the advance of time to a trade deadline, one that will surely claim the play of center Jahlil Okafor to another NBA team, I cannot rise and applaud the trade.  Jahlil Okafor has been a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers for the past two season.  Key.  An object inserted into a lock to open it.  Or of paramount or crucial importance.  Either meaning applies.

But I will rise and applaud the player.  And I ask all Philadelphia 76ers fans to join me in doing so. Jahlil Okafor is every bit a cornerstone to the Philadelphia 76ers improvement efforts. Here are the top five reasons why: