Sixers should help rehab Jahlil Okafor’s career
The Philadelphia 76ers should help the club’s former lottery pick build his free agent worth by giving him a chance to play a lot of minutes.
Well into the free agency, it’s becoming clear that there is no serious interest in the Philadelphia 76ers former third overall pick Jahlil Okafor. Okafor’s had a hot start with the club in his rookie season, but a combination of knee injuries, poor defense and the emergence of Joel Embiid led to Okafor’s eventual departure to the Brooklyn Nets via trade.
Okafor’s stint with the Net’s didn’t go well either. He only averaged 12.6 minutes, 6.4 points and 2.9 rebounds in 26 games. At this point in Okafor’s career, unless he get’s signed by a team soon, it’s hard to see him on NBA roster next season.
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The Sixers have an over abundance of players on the roster already this offseason and it’s unlikely that even when they do reduce the number of players that they will have room to add Okafor. Adding Okafor to the end of the bench wouldn’t make sense for either side. Okafor doesn’t fit the type of center the Sixers already have on the depth chart and he needs plenty of playing time to show other teams he can contribute on an NBA level.
A direct Sixers and Okafor reunion just doesn’t make sense. However, the club could have it’s G-League affiliate offer Okafor a contract, if he is unable to find an NBA home. If Okafor and the Delaware Blue Coats agreed on a contract, it would be a mutually beneficial union.
This past season, the then Delaware 87ers had given Emeka Okafor a contract. Emeka Okafor was attempting a come back from major back injury and his performance with the Sixer’s G-League club earned him a contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. There’s a chance that playing for Delaware could help Jahlil Okafor jump start his career.
Jahlil Okafor would be almost assured a lot of minutes and most likely a starting job. He would more than likely be one of the focal points on offense. If he can show more diversity in his offensive game, as well as improved defense and rebounding while playing for the Blue Coats, he could get back on a NBA team during this upcoming season or the following season.
The Blue Coats get a player who can attract a lot of fans due to his history with the Sixers. Which is good for Delaware as they recently rebranded their franchise and are moving into a new arena this upcoming season. The G-League franchise gets a player who should play with motivation and put up solid numbers which should turn into wins.
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The Philadelphia 76ers could help rehabilitate Okafor’s career by having him play for the Delaware Blue Coats this upcoming season. It gives him a chance at legit playing time and to show other NBA teams that he can contribute. It’s also beneficial for the Sixers to give the Blue Coats a player that can contribute at a high level for the G-League affiliate.