The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 reasons why irrelevance of Philadelphia 76ers Jahlil Okafor is exaggerated.

By Bret Stuter

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers is seen at the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers is seen at the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next
Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 24: Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 24, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Reason II: 103 NBA games is a drop in the bucket

If a full NBA season is 82 games, Jahlil Okafor played just slightly more than one NBA season.  1.25 seasons hardly defines an NBA career. Try as you might, no player is defined by one NBA season. None.

Live Feed

Bill Simmons 'guarantees' Knicks will have one of three stars by next year
Bill Simmons 'guarantees' Knicks will have one of three stars by next year /

Daily Knicks

  • NBA Rumors: Joel Embiid willing to 'ride out' James Harden situation? Sir Charles In Charge
  • NBA rumors: 76ers core willing to mend fences with James Harden FanSided
  • NBA Rumors: Knicks dream target reportedly not considering a trade just yet Daily Knicks
  • 4 Stars the Knicks could swap RJ Barrett for by the trade deadline Daily Knicks
  • 3 Red flags Knicks must consider before going all-in on Joel Embiid trade Daily Knicks

    • It’s all they’ve got.

    On one hand yes, there is a trend among the NBA right now to be backcourt-centric. On the other hand, there are good reasons for that. NBA centers and front court talent have not been as plentiful in recent drafts.  In fact, many teams have continued to load up on back court talent and continue to fall short of or in the playoffs.   The Washington Wizards, the Boston Celtics, the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers all have had glaring needs up front. And yet, they have taken talent where they can find it.

    Be patient

    So while the trend to the small ball game format is certainly ongoing, I don’t think any team playing small ball is necessarily better, just more common.

    But even if the trend gave indisputable evidence, that is merely the current trend.  At some point, someone will invent a scheme to give big men more value. Right now the price of the big guy is deflating. Just ask Nerlens Noel, who sought a max contract. He is nowhere near the offensive peer of Okafor, but he can play solid D.

    Right now, the NBA says “so what?” and is not rushing to sign him up.

    That is the value of the NBA center right now. Cheap labor for a roster, necessary ingredient to win it all. Some team (talking to you Sixers) will figure out the way to translate the center into a key component of championship play soon. At just 103 games experience, you can bet Okafor will be a factor in that future.