The Sixer Sense
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5 teams who should trade for Jahlil Okafor

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center on November 1, 2017 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center on November 1, 2017 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

1. San Antonio Spurs

This is the pipe dream for those who want to see Okafor succeed. Getting to work under Gregg Popovich on a Spurs team that needs to start getting younger could kick start a level of development that wouldn’t happen anywhere else in the league.

Not only has Popovich proven himself capable of using bigger, slower rotations with success in today’s NBA, but he’d give Okafor the benefit of getting advice from the best coaching staff in the league, with Pau Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge and Tim Duncan (in advisor form, at least) all within reach as well.

Their defense wouldn’t necessarily take a big hit either. Gasol is a downright awful defender at this stage in his career, and Okafor would at least give Popovich younger legs to work with. Jah spent all summer slimming down and showed real hustle on the defensive end during preseason play. A change of scenery could help boost his energy even more.

There’s nothing quite like playing for the Spurs, and that’s the kind of culture Okafor can really benefit from at this point in his career — which is also where the Golden State appeal comes into play. He has spent over two years on a losing team that has now shunned him. That can wreck the confidence of a 21-year-old who spent his entire amateur career winning titles and sitting atop his recruiting class.

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Okafor deserves a chance somewhere, and San Antonio has to be the most ideal of spots.