“The Process” was built on the concept of accumulating elite talent through the draft, regardless of position. That meant sacrificing fit, which led to Sam Hinkie drafting centers in three consecutive drafts: Nerlens Noel in 2013, Joel Embiid in 2014 and Jahlil Okafor in 2015.
For most of the pre-draft process, Okafor was viewed as the likely No. 1 pick, with the Minnesota Timberwolves showing considerable interest. Karl-Anthony Towns eventually won over Tom Thibodeau though, and Okafor ended up falling to the Sixers at No. 3.
That would end up being Hinkie’s greatest mistake as GM. Not only was Okafor a poor fit, but he just wasn’t good. He put up 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in his rookie season, but his fit in the evolving NBA was never good.
Okafor does nothing indicative of a successful modern big. He’s an iso-heavy scorer who works in the post, seldom stretching outside the painted area. He’s also a bad rebounder and even worse defender. His passing chops and off-ball prowess aren’t great either.
He was doomed from the start, elite talent or not. After seeing his production decrease in his second season, the Sixers declined Okafor’s fourth-year option. He was then traded to the Brooklyn Nets alongside Nik Stauskas last season, where his playing time was limited.
After working hard to get in shape and modernize his game this summer, Okafor signed a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. This might be his last chance to carve out an NBA role before other options are on the table.