The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Jahlil Okafor Enigma May Be Unsolvable

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 /
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Have the Philadelphia 76ers painted themselves into a corner over the resolution of center Jahlil Okafor with the team?

Fit. Future. Fantasy. The Philadelphia 76ers must determine which of the three hold the key to resolving NBA center Jahlil Okafor. Fit is the hope that the team shapes the player and the scheme in such a way that the strengths of his back-to-the-basket play are obvious, and the weakness of his defense is invisible. Future is that path that leads him away from the team to an NBA team where he fits. Fantasy is the make believe world where either one or two are possible.

So far, Fantasy is winning.

But should it?

Best Laid Plans Of Men Or Mice…

We asked the question of whether The Process itself stranded Okafor on a team with only a temporary need for his services.  In essence, a one-year loaner, intended to be traded for the highest bidder suddenly missed his stop to get off because the Philadelphia 76ers had a shake-up in the front office and all deals were vetoed.

The Philadelphia 76ers turned to sage Jerry Colangelo in the 2015-2016 season. At the time, it was believed to be simply a veteran NBA executive offering consultation for the team. In reality, he was merely the vanguard to ensure the setting for his son, Bryan Colangelo’s, eventual assumption of the helm for the team.