The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Ten NBA Teams Philadelphia 76ers Potential Trade Partners For Jahlil Okafor

Feb 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; U.S. Team center Jahlil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers (8) drives to the basket World Team guard Alex Abrines of the Oklahoma City Thunder (8) during the Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; U.S. Team center Jahlil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers (8) drives to the basket World Team guard Alex Abrines of the Oklahoma City Thunder (8) during the Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 11

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have head coach Mike D’Antoni. But the Philadelphia 76ers once had him as well.  He knows the strengths and weaknesses of Jahlil Okafor.

He just happens to be a head coach of one of the most improved teams in the NBA. And so far, they’ve done it by running a balanced team.  The Houston Rockets can score almost at will.  And while that usually means the team is less proficient on defense, this Rockets team has not yet been exploited.

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

    • Right now, the team is running just fine on third year player Clint Capella.  But there is definitely some room to upgrade when Capella sits.  The Rockets have 14 year veteran center Nene Hilario coming off the bench for Capella. At 14 years, Hilario has seen better production.

    Their Choice

    Ultimately, the choice for the Rockets is need.  But this team has no draft picks.  As such, the team must opt for creative upgrades.  Where does the team need to bolster the roster?  I think the center position.  Should Capella get hurt, this is a different team.

    While the 76ers do not have a chance at draft picks, the team could name guard Patrick Beverly and forward Kyle Wiltjer for Okafor, perhaps even a future pick as well.  Ultimately, reuniting center Jahlil Okafor with coach Mike D’Antoni creates huge upside.   As such, the Houston Rockets should be willing to pay a little for that opportunity. Giving up two young players with solid upside seems to be the way Bryan Colangelo rolls.

    And so, that’s the price of adventure.