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.
More from Sixers News
- 3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball
- 76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster
- 76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this season
- Grade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal
- Breaking Down Bombshell Report on Sixers Star James Harden
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.