The Sixer Sense
Fansided

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

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)
3 of 7

Jahlil Okafor: professional team player

Noel looked out for number one. Okafor tried to look out for the team. As a result, Okafor struggled with knee pain throughout the season and was roasted on social media for the perceived lack of effort.  The season was just short of a disaster for Okafor. he found himself demoted, and his offensive production dropped from a team high 17.5 points per game, all the way down to 11.8. His playing time dropped from 30 minutes a game, down to 22.7 minutes.

And every trade rumor involving the Philadelphia 76ers named Jahlil Okafor as the player to be traded. That’s been the reality since he was first injured in February 2016. 20 months later, it’s still the reality.

It’s as though Philadelphia doesn’t want him. In fact, some darker interpretations are that Philly never wanted him.

Philly focuses disappointment on Okafor

Ah, but that is the opposite.  In fact, it is the exact opposite.  He delivered 17.5 points per game with a loosely constructed roster of player who were as much experimentation as roster fits. The fans could not hate the GM, as Hinkie had the plan to push the team through the valley and back on its way to the playoffs.

But there is a latent disappointment. Years of ceaseless trolling the team’s players and fans in social media, by national sports broadcasting, and even by opposing coaches.  As a result, the fans remain patient with the team, but have virtually no patience with players. Particularly ones whose momentary lapses on defense are paraded on social media.

Afterwards, Coach Brown defended his player vigorously for this play. Why? Perhaps he understood the pain in that knee on that play.

Okafor in the room

Okay, so let’s talk about the elephant in the room.  Replay that video, but CONVINCE YOURSELF THAT HIS RIGHT KNEE IS VERY SORE.  Now, if you are being honest with yourself, you see that his push is non-existent.

Now, compare that to a recent scrimmage workout.

There is a definitive difference. Is it attitude, or simply a knee which is not throbbing a tympannic wave of pain up and down his right leg?  I’m willing to wager that sore knee accounted for 75 percent or better of the issues from last season.  Still, the consensus concluded that Okafor was not Sixer material. That prompted more articles defending his status on the team.