The Sixer Sense
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The Sixers are ruining Jahlil Okafor’s career

By Justin Boguslavsky

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 4: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game on October 4, 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 4: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game on October 4, 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) /
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After a lengthy wait, it’s time for the Philadelphia 76ers to finally trade Jahlil Okafor.

It seems like Jahlil Okafor has been on the trading block since the day he entered the NBA, as Okafor’s name made headlines on Friday when news broke out that Big Jah is not in the Philadelphia 76ers’ rotation and the team is currently looking at trade possibilities.

After many failed attempts of making a move, including sitting Jah out of games last season because a trade was supposedly imminent, perhaps this will be the year Okafor gets a fresh start with a new team.

Okafor has always been patient with the Sixers and loyal to the team, despite his lack of playing time and all of the shenanigans that occurred last February. It is time for the team to thank him for his patience and loyalty by finally pulling the trigger and making a move.

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The Sixers are effectively ruining the young man’s career every single day he remains on their roster and racks up another DNP-Coach’s Decision. What are the Sixers waiting for? Okafor’s value surely is not getting any higher.

If the Sixers wanted to maximize their return, they would have shipped Jah out of town after his promising rookie season, where he averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Just as they waited too long to trade Nerlens Noel, they are making the same mistake with Jah.

It has gotten to be downright ridiculous at this point. Jahlil’s value is not magically going to skyrocket while he is riding the bench. If the team actually wanted to improve his trade value, they would give him minutes over the extremely lackluster Amir Johnson.

Okafor is not a lost cause. He is just 21 years old. While he may not be the league’s best defender, he is an elite low post scorer. His skill set may not fit the Sixers’ fast style of play, but he can be very useful on many other NBA teams.

The Sixers are doing Jah a disservice every single day he remains on the team. They must accept the fact that they will not receive the return they want for the former third overall pick. Teams simply will not give up a high first round pick for a team’s third-string center.

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Jah has been loyal, patient, and a team player since the day he was drafted. It is time for the 76ers to reward him by granting him a new opportunity elsewhere. He is a talented player and it is time for him to save his career on a team where he can play on a consistent basis.