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Philadelphia 76ers, Time To Invest In Jahlil Okafor

By Bret Stuter

Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and forward Dario Saric (9) 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 forward Dario Saric (9) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Unplug Trade Talks Over Okafor

No matter which side of the fence you sit on, it’s time to unplug trade talks over Jahlil Okafor.  If you believe he has high upside, then stop the hints and chatter.  Commit to the player with as much loyalty as you expect him to commit to the team.

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    • After two years of daily “where will Jahlil Okafor land?” rumors, the Philadelphia 76ers owe it to their second year center to pause the talk.  It not only is the right thing to do, but it makes sense to do so.

    If the team wants to see what Jahlil Okafor can do for the team going forward, stop the trade talk and find out. Don’t create an culture where a young man of 21 years of age feels apologetic for each play on the court which doesn’t result in a forced turnover against the opponent or a four point play on offense.  Give him the opportunity to play the game hard and learn, with impunity.

    However, if you have solidified your opinion that Jahlil Okafor MUST go, you need to pause the call to trade him as well. Why? The constant near-begging droning of “won’t some NBA team take him off our hands?” has resulted in the young center’s value being driven to substandard levels even beyond reason.

    Let’s review a fact. n the past 50 minutes of game play, he has scored 45 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, dished off 3 assists, rejected 5 shots, and shot 59.3 percent from the floor. If we cannot find some way to make use of that type of production, the fault lies in the team, not the player.

    Next: How Solid is the Foundation of the Sixers Organization?

    The Philadelphia 76ers must invest the time and patience in Jahlil Okafor now. The downside is that they have missed on a first round draft pick. The upside is that the play of Jahlil Okafor’s offense can be complimented by better defensive play.