The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Why the Philadelphia 76ers should keep Jahlil Okafor

By Owen Nelson

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

Most people believe Jahlil Okafor should be traded by the Philadelphia 76ers, I have a different view. Here’s why I think the 76ers should keep Okafor.

Now I now this isn’t the popular opinion, but there’s reason behind it. After selecting Jahlil Okafor with the third pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Philadelphia 76ers‘ fans thought they had gotten their franchise cornerstone, the next great 76er, and the next great, dominant NBA big man. Unfortunately what has actually happened is a far cry from what the expectations were.

More from Sixers News

There’s still untapped potential

No one should be calling a 21 year old player who’s just finished up his second season in the NBA a bust, especially when he averaged 17.5 points and seven rebounds as a rookie. Of course with Okafor now coming off the bench behind Joel Embiid, he won’t be given the chance to average that many points, but if the second unit’s offence is built around the former Duke product then there’s no reason why he can’t average around 13 points a game. That’s solid for a backup big man.

After all, it took Al Jefferson four seasons to become the dominant, polished scorer we all remember him as. Of course Okafor’s growth took a hit this past season, as he suffered with niggling injuries and persistent trade rumors. If he his given a chance to work on his game I’m sure he could provide some valuable minutes off the bench. With Joel Embiid’s injury history, who knows how much Okafor may play next season.

Opportunity to build around him

If Bryan Colangelo can add three point shooters to space the floor to play with Okafor on the second unit then I think we’ll see the best of the former top high school recruit. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Ricahun Holmes, Justin Anderson and recent draftee, Jonah Bolden would fit perfectly into the lineup as they can shoot from behind the arc to at least a solid level.

More from The Sixer Sense

Admittedly, T.J. McConnell isn’t a good three point shooter at all, he only made 20 percent of his 55 three point attempts this season. However, McConnell has proven himself to one of the most underrated guards in the league. He’s a great leader of the team but with Markelle Fultz arriving, it’s hard to see McConnell holding onto the starting job. McConnell’s job will be to facilitate.

The offence should be built around Okafor, but to succeed there has to be shooters surrounding him. I believe this could be very successful and teams will have to prepare two game plans to stop both the starter’s offensive game and the second unit’s offensive game. For this being successful,  Okafor needs to embrace being the star of the second unit. If used correctly the 76ers could become a lethal offensive team.

Decreased trade value

Since the 76ers spend the third overall pick on Okafor, it’s not worth trading Okafor for anything that won’t positively impact the future of the team. After seeing Dwight Howard getting traded for practically nothing, this doesn’t bode well for Okafor. The value of an old fashioned big man is dwindling very fast, we’d be lucky to get a couple of second rounders for Okafor, hence why there’s no point in trading him.

Related Story: Joel Embiid -- A transcendent talent

I just think there’s no point in trading a 21 year old who has showed promise for literally nothing in return.

Moreover, the frequent knee injuries to Okafor has surely scared off teams from trading valuable assets for him. He has been somewhat injury prone throughout his short career with the 76ers, this is definitely one of the main reasons why his trade value has dipped dramatically.

With the dying breed of low post scoring big men, Okafor shouldn’t ask for an absurd amount of money when he hits free agency next offseason, his demands should be reasonable considering the yearly cap spikes. I’d be more than willing to keep him around for around $10 million a year.

Next: Breaking down the Sixers' depth chart on the wing

Overall, unless Okafor needs to be included in a deal to help elevate the team to the next level I don’t think we should trade him, the potential return just doesn’t make it worthwhile. I hope Okafor can embrace the bench role and become a valuable piece for the 76ers long-term.