The Sixer Sense
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Jahlil Okafor’s knee soreness is a sore spot with Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been desaturated.) Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been desaturated.) Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jahlil Okafor #8 in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Wizards 109-102. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Some good days and some bad days

So how does “some good days and some bad days” work? Well the reality is that its a situation he will face for some time, perhaps even for his entire career.  Now, what can the Philadelphia 76ers do about it?

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    • Most likely nothing. The team can like it or lump it. What options remain?

    We’ve heard trade rumors. Everyone has heard Jahlil Okafor trade rumors.  But the fact remains that only a very desperate team would trade anything of significant value to the Philadelphia 76ers for that huge questionmark over Jahlil Okafor’s knee. So the only alternative is the Philadelphia 76ers giving Okafor away for next to nothing.  I cannot accept that for a minute. He is worth far more if the knee pain subsides, or is manageable for the better part of the season.

    How much playing time should Okafor expect?

    Let’s stop kidding ourselves. The starting center role for the Philadelphia 76ers belongs to Joel Embiid. Currently, the team has a number of players who can absorb playing minutes at the center position. Jahlil Okafor may no longer even be the primary backup center. So how many playing minutes are truly on the line if the Philadelphia 76ers stick with Okafor for the time being?

    Trade rumors appear to be just that, rumors.  I cannot fathom the Philadelphia 76ers consenting to drastic lowering of Okafor’s value before the team makes the NBA playoffs.  Why would they? The teams who continue to be rumored with interest are likely teams the Sixers will face in post-season.  Aiding the competition would be a very short-sighted and foolish squandering of team resources.