The Sixer Sense
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Will Karma Steer Kristaps Porzingis to Philadelphia 76ers?

By Bret Stuter

Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles against Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles against Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahil Okafor (8) jumps to shoot as Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) defends in the second quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahil Okafor (8) jumps to shoot as Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) defends in the second quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

Phil Jackson loves Philadelphia center Okafor

Phil Jackson had plenty to say after the 2015 NBA Draft. In fact, he shared his thoughts with New York Post writer Zach Braziller about Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor versus Karl Anthony Towns:

"“For sure, (Town’s) he’s a better defender than Okafor, but even in the limited minutes he got during the season, Towns was always in foul trouble,” Jackson said. “Also, he’s not very core-strong. Plus, his big feet will make it difficult for him to maneuver through heavy traffic in the paint. I think in four years Towns will be a better NBA player that Okafor, but Okafor is more NBA-ready right now and we need help ASAP.”"

Those impressions do not wear off. And in the current roster, the Philadelphia 76ers could offer the Knicks Jahlil Okafor.   But the Knicks want more.

So without a top four pick team agreeing to trade, will the Knicks keep Porzingis? Not likely.  Jackson has painted the Knicks into a corner, and the only way out is to deal Porzingis before the team makes their selection at eight.