The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor Remains Blue Chip Center

By Bret Stuter

Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and head coach Brett Brown against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and head coach Brett Brown against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next

Wrong questions

Somehow, the struggles of Jahlil Okafor “feel” like the wrong questions are being asked by him, and of him.  As fans, the emotions of the moment carry the voice we propel towards the field, or the court. Anger and disappointment? Boo!  Elation and Satisfaction? Cheers.

Live Feed

The 30 most painful NBA Draft pass-ups since 2000
The 30 most painful NBA Draft pass-ups since 2000 /

Hoops Habit

  • NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Illinois of last decade Busting Brackets
  • Atlanta Hawks waive Jahlil Okafor after lacklustre preseason Soaring Down South
  • Which Atlanta Hawks fringe player shone in the pre-season opener? Soaring Down South
  • Atlanta Hawks: How Jahlil Okafor can assert himself at training camp Soaring Down South
  • Atlanta Hawks: Storylines not to be missed in training camp - center edition Soaring Down South

    • Fans support of rookies are essentially primal, feral, as the most basic of emotions. Based on the treatment by the front office, the fans, and the overall career outlook for the number three selection of the 2015 NBA Draft, Jahlil Okafor has every reason to withdraw.  Withdraw from the sport, withdraw from his teammates, and withdraw from the fans.

    Here’s where the message to Jahlil Okafor becomes direct:

    Sagacious Age Experience

    But at my sagacious age now, let me tell you right here, right now, Jahlil Okafor.

    DON’T

    Events may not be going your way now. I live far away from you, but even I can see the struggles of youth under the weight of so much responsibility.  In a sport where you play each moment for the thrill of the fans, in a city that is the most discerning basketball town in the USA, you play.

    Connect to fans, connect to your coaches, connect to teammates, connect and connect and connect.  Time to share the burden. Behind the boos of the angriest most upset fan is the dashed hope that you would outperform the entire NBA in your first two seasons.

    In the end, we all share that disappointment. So don’t take responsibility for all of it.