Changes of attitude, changes of latitude
Its very clear that Jahlil Okafor is open to helping this team in any and every way possible. But to realize his true upside, he must show consistency. In a team with a perennial face lifts, he must prove to the fans and coaching staff alike that his game works in numerous lineups. But most of all, he must prove he is ever-ready for his number to be called.
What does one game really tell us? Nothing. One point does not a trend make. But it surely has moved some fans to rethink their opinions of trading the young man. So what will it take to win back the fans of Philadelphia into his corner? Well three key areas are a must:
Three signs of heroism
He must learn to shoot a three pointer:
#Sixers’ center @JahlilOkafor’s corner 3 is 💦. He made 7 straight moments later. pic.twitter.com/0PIEnG32Ud
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 5, 2017
He must up his game on defense:
And Jahlil Okafor was far and away the #sixers best defensive big last night, which is half encouraging half depressing.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) October 5, 2017
Now, keep in mind that he had 19 minutes off the bench, and pulled down six rebounds and rejected two shots. No, that is not All-Star defense yet. But it’s a significant step in the right direction.