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) /
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PHILADELPHIA,PA – FEBRUARY 27 : Jahlil Okafor
PHILADELPHIA,PA – FEBRUARY 27 : Jahlil Okafor /

Reason IV: Development shunted by need and knee

Jahlil Okafor has been more than a rookie to develop to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the call to instant judgement, he has not been on a normal track. When he arrived to the NBA, he topped the roster on team offense immediately. Then, after injuring his knee, he was compelled to report for duty while Noel elected knee surgery.

And through it all, he has been fatiguing due to carrying a tad too much weight and playing on a less than 100 percent knee.

Winds of change blowing strong now

That may be changing.  He is dropping weight now. In fact, several not-so-onboard pundits believe that is a sign of bigger things from the young man.

And why not?  Until now, he has been young and in charge. Even now, he has a clear role to fill. Now he has an opportunity to grow and develop. As a matter of fact, with this team and this roster, he can do just that. And by growing and developing, he must be willing to make mistakes.

That means we must be content with allowing him to do just that.