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Can Jahlil Okafor find a niche with the 76ers?

Owen Nelson|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 6: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics during a preseason on October 6, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 6: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics during a preseason on October 6, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

After impressing throughout two preseason games, can Jahlil Okafor find a niche with the Philadelphia 76ers?

The former outcast big man, Jahlil Okafor, has greatly impressed throughout two preseason games for the Philadelphia 76ers. Okafor entered the new season a different man; weighing 20 pounds lighter, on a vegan diet, and is as determined as ever.

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Okafor was always known as a slow-footed big man with less than no defensive capabilities, who can only score in the post. Well, throughout two games, Okafor has shown that he can score off-the-dribble shots from near the three-point line. From afar it would be understandable if you were to mistake Okafor for Carmelo Anthony. Okay maybe not, but the progression has been outstanding.

More impressively, Okafor hasn’t looked as disastrous on the defensive side of the ball. This is likely down to his massive weight decrease, Okafor can now move like he’s never moved before. We all knew of gifted Okafor was offensively, but if he can maintain this defensive level, he could cement his place as Joel Embiid‘s backup.

If Colangelo still really wants to trade the former No. 3 overall pick, Okafor’s trade stock is undoubtedly rising. Teams must be taking notice of Okafor’s transformation and thinking they’d love to have him on their team. If Okafor can continue to play the way he has been playing, I wouldn’t consider trading him at this moment.

Moreover, this dramatic weight loss will definitely help Okafor’s knee. Since entering the league, Okafor has suffered multiple knee injuries that ended his rookie season early, as well as ending his second season early. If Okafor’s knee can hold up, it’s possible that his trade value will skyrocket.

Most importantly, it finally looks like Okafor is enjoying playing basketball again. Ever since Okafor was drafted, he’s been involved in trade rumors. Last year, it got to the point where Okafor was told not to travel with the team. If Okafor can go a full season without the constant worry of getting traded, he will be able to completely focus on basketball. Sometimes, this is all a player needs to be successful.

Next: Okafor's best-case scenario in Philly

It’s been a pleasure to watch Okafor so far this preseason. Here’s hoping it continues long into to new season.