The Sixer Sense
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5 Ways Jahlil Okafor Refined Philadelphia 76ers Process

By Bret Stuter

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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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 /

Reason IV: He proved that any team rebuilding with rookies needs locktight veteran leadership.

Jahlil Okafor was given the unfair responsibility of carrying the offense of an NBA team from his first game in the league. Unfair, and unwise.

Born on December 15, 1995, Jahlil Okafor arrived to the NBA at the ripe old age of 19.  19 years old and the weight of the Philadelphia 76ers offense was placed upon his shoulders.  His reaction to the pressure was not unexpected.  He revolted, somewhat.

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His actions were headlines. He engaged in an altercation with Boston Celtic fans late one night.  As news broke, more news percolated to the public forum.   Fighting, speeding, and more rumors were woven into the delicate fabric of this young man’s career thread.

It was perhaps a result of his transgressions that persuaded the team’s ownership to seek out changes to the status quo. It’s was soon afterwards that the NBA executives and Jerry Colangelo became more directly involved with the team.    That let to the team’s trading for point guard Ish Smith, and to signing just retired free agent Elton Brand.

In the midst of all of the planning of player development, casting a wider net, and taking the furthest look in the room, Jahlil Okafor shone a spotlight on the one blind spot to the Process.

Young players need veteran guidance.