The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Can Philadelphia 76ers Jahlil Okafor ascend from zero to hero?

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’ tale of Jahlil Okafor draws some fans to anger, some to surrender, and some to compassionate hope. But his opener against the Memphis Grizzlies suggests a new feeling: admiration

Mentioning Jahlil Okafor in an article is a sure-fire way to draw fan comments. Say something nice about the player, and the comments from Philadelphia 76ers fans become harsh and mean spirited. But those of us who have hope for the young Duke center press on.  Little by little, we chip away at the negative angst.  All the while climbing further and further out on a limb for the young man.

On one hand, we wrote about his renewed commitment to the team by turning Vegan to improve his performance by dropping weight.  On the other hand, we have researched the pain in Jahlil Okafor’s knee, and have discovered a surprising fact that some Meniscus surgeries result in a level of pain which never subsides.  And ultimately, we produced positive articles. Articles that do not make excuses.  Rather to enlighten, and hopefully, lower the decibels of cries to trade or outright cut the center from the roster.

Bad situation and no way to win

The problem is, that through all the ups and downs, the Philadelphia 76ers brought Jahlil Okafor into a rather difficult situation. What chance did a young center have joining a roster with two centers on the team already perceived to have “superstar” potential.  And furthermore, what hope did the young offensive center have on a team with a very defensive-aware head coach like Brett Brown.  Former team president Sam Hinkie selected center Jahlil Okafor to the team as a stop-gap solution.  As you recall, the team had just determined that a second surgery was necessary  to repair Joel Embiid’s injured foot.

And despite the intent to deal Okafor to a team which truly coveted his skill set, the Sixers didn’t. In short, the Process stranded Jahlil Okafor on the team.