Where is Jahlil Okafor?

[sixers hoops]

Thanks for the expertise. It is a perplexing situation. By todays standards $6.3 mil is paltry. But if you can't make Okafor a plus player on your roster, what is the sense?. Last year he was about the 5th best center (counting Noel and Long). But the year before he showed some skills that very few centers have. If Oct. 31st is the deadline, they don't have trial and error time.

Holmes improvement caught a lot of people by surprise. In my area of expertise, it did not surprise me after I saw him for a while. Big Latvia, or whatever name they will give him, I know nothing about. One summer league game is no sample size, but Bolden looked athetic and skilled.

Do you see where I am coming from if Okafor is a point per minute reserve? Other teams have valuable guys like that, not usually centers.

I might risk the $ 6.3 million, also called NBA petty cash these days. Strong arguments can be made either way. But if he has another "disaster" year, let him go for whatever.

I'd most likely use that 6.3 toward a free agent next summer. I have no confidence in Okafor improving enough to be worth it.

Also, Dario will likely be a primary option on the second unit, and I don't really want him paired with Okafor. Not enough defense.

[Sixerscan]

Thanks for the expertise. It is a perplexing situation. By todays standards $6.3 mil is paltry. But if you can't make Okafor a plus player on your roster, what is the sense?. Last year he was about the 5th best center (counting Noel and Long). But the year before he showed some skills that very few centers have. If Oct. 31st is the deadline, they don't have trial and error time.

Holmes improvement caught a lot of people by surprise. In my area of expertise, it did not surprise me after I saw him for a while. Big Latvia, or whatever name they will give him, I know nothing about. One summer league game is no sample size, but Bolden looked athetic and skilled.

Do you see where I am coming from if Okafor is a point per minute reserve? Other teams have valuable guys like that, not usually centers.

I might risk the $ 6.3 million, also called NBA petty cash these days. Strong arguments can be made either way. But if he has another "disaster" year, let him go for whatever.

I think you are looking at it wrong. Whether or not Okafor is "worth" $6.3 million largely doesn't matter. The problem is if that number stops us from being able to sign a free agent. For example, Celtics are going to have to dump Smart or Crowder, who are actually good players and have played important playoff minutes, in order to have room to sign Hayward.

I'm just not sure what the upside is. Just so he might turn into a decent back up center? Heck you can always just sign him as a free agent next summer if you strike out on other options.

[PhilasFinest]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

With Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and a coach running a system based on movement, passing,pace and space....I simply don't think he will ever "get it" here. Its like trying to implement an old Shaq into the 7 second Suns.

[Karate Diop]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

Seems similar to the issues the Nets had with Lopez except Lopez was a good character guy, good post defender, and more versatile on offense...

[PhilasFinest]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

Seems similar to the issues the Nets had with Lopez except Lopez was a good character guy, good post defender, and more versatile on offense...

Yes. Lopez had some similar issues with rebounding/defense and being able to play with pace....but he showed improvement over the years and even expanded his game last season to add a 3 point shot.He also measured out as an above replacement level player and wasn't a net negative on the floor.

[Karate Diop]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

Seems similar to the issues the Nets had with Lopez except Lopez was a good character guy, good post defender, and more versatile on offense...

Yes. Lopez had some similar issues with rebounding/defense and being able to play with pace....but he showed improvement over the years and even expanded his game last season to add a 3 point shot.He also measured out as an above replacement level player and wasn't a net negative on the floor.

I think the question then becomes - and I agree with your above assessment that a certain system is needed to maximize Okafor's strengths - should the Sixers just dump Okafor to the highest bidder?

It's hard to see his value going up in his current situation...

[jsa]

Some excellent points. It is concerning that a young team would have to change their style of play for probably 12 minutes a game in order for Okafor to slay it.I was thinking more like the Spurs, but they are experienced. They go so deep in the roster on any given night as Popovich sees fit, and subs come in and wreak havoc on the opposition for short spurts. It is a thing of beauty.

I'm no expert on the cap situation, but the news reports have suggested the the 76ers have to struggle to get to the minimum, let alone the max.

When does Embiid get his option? Aren't we talking $150 million if he is healthy? Turner got $75 million. He is an average NBA player.

[sixers hoops]

Some excellent points. It is concerning that a young team would have to change their style of play for probably 12 minutes a game in order for Okafor to slay it.I was thinking more like the Spurs, but they are experienced. They go so deep in the roster on any given night as Popovich sees fit, and subs come in and wreak havoc on the opposition for short spurts. It is a thing of beauty.

I'm no expert on the cap situation, but the news reports have suggested the the 76ers have to struggle to get to the minimum, let alone the max.

When does Embiid get his option? Aren't we talking $150 million if he is healthy? Turner got $75 million. He is an average NBA player.

No struggle to the minimum now. They gave Amir and Redick $34 million. The cap is about $99 million, they are about 15 million under, and are reportedly going to give that money to Roco in Nov when he is extension eligible.

Embiid could get 5 years close to 150 mill. Starting at about 25 million.

If they don't pick up Okafor's option, and sign Roco to make no more than 18 million next season, then they could have 30-35 million in cap space.

For who, for what? We don't know.

[76ciology]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

With Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and a coach running a system based on movement, passing,pace and space....I simply don't think he will ever "get it" here. Its like trying to implement an old Shaq into the 7 second Suns.

Well, the point is.. What now if Okafor lives up to his upside?

[PhilasFinest]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

With Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and a coach running a system based on movement, passing,pace and space....I simply don't think he will ever "get it" here. Its like trying to implement an old Shaq into the 7 second Suns.

Well, the point is.. What now if Okafor lives up to his upside?

I mean thats the struggle internally they are gonna have to decide on. We all don't see whats going on behind closed doors. I see Simmons,Embiid,Roco,Dario,etc pop up in videos all the time at the practice facility working out.

Will he ever hit that playing here? Even if say Embiid was out again....will we ever slow the game down and have Fultz/Simmons dumping the ball down low to Okafor and watching him spin to the basket?

Is Simmons going to get rebounds and walk the ball up the floor so Okafor can get set?

Will he ever rebound/defend enough to warrant actually putting him on the floor in games?

Im fine with keeping him for the duration of his rookie deal and seeing what happens. Eventually maybe we will get a trade offer that makes sense or he just walks.

[TTP]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

With Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and a coach running a system based on movement, passing,pace and space....I simply don't think he will ever "get it" here. Its like trying to implement an old Shaq into the 7 second Suns.

Well, the point is.. What now if Okafor lives up to his upside?

I doubt anyone is losing sleep over this frightening prospect.

[76ciology]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

With Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and a coach running a system based on movement, passing,pace and space....I simply don't think he will ever "get it" here. Its like trying to implement an old Shaq into the 7 second Suns.

Well, the point is.. What now if Okafor lives up to his upside?

I doubt anyone is losing sleep over this frightening prospect.

Exactly

[lotto29]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

With Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and a coach running a system based on movement, passing,pace and space....I simply don't think he will ever "get it" here. Its like trying to implement an old Shaq into the 7 second Suns.

Well, the point is.. What now if Okafor lives up to his upside?

I doubt anyone is losing sleep over this frightening prospect.

Damn right.

[PLO]

Some excellent points. It is concerning that a young team would have to change their style of play for probably 12 minutes a game in order for Okafor to slay it.I was thinking more like the Spurs, but they are experienced. They go so deep in the roster on any given night as Popovich sees fit, and subs come in and wreak havoc on the opposition for short spurts. It is a thing of beauty.

I'm no expert on the cap situation, but the news reports have suggested the the 76ers have to struggle to get to the minimum, let alone the max.

When does Embiid get his option? Aren't we talking $150 million if he is healthy? Turner got $75 million. He is an average NBA player.

No struggle to the minimum now. They gave Amir and Redick $34 million. The cap is about $99 million, they are about 15 million under, and are reportedly going to give that money to Roco in Nov when he is extension eligible.

Embiid could get 5 years close to 150 mill. Starting at about 25 million.

If they don't pick up Okafor's option, and sign Roco to make no more than 18 million next season, then they could have 30-35 million in cap space.

For who, for what? We don't know.

Its pretty clear more and more cap % is being allotted to wings across the league. If your numbers are correct (and no doubt they are at least close) tying up both Embiid and Okafor is a LOT of cap to tie up in the center position. Jah is probably best served finding his upside elsewhere (next to a 4 with good defensive instincts) while we can get better value per $ from our farm/FA vets.

[76ciology]

Quite frankly. If okafor becomes a two way player. Can shoot 3s and block shots. He'll ask to get paid and we'll ship him out anyway. While teams will not give up a lot for him, given current value of Cs and them knowing they will have to overpay him. We're really just wasting energy for him.

Noel vs Okafor is the past. Tatum vs Fultz is the now. And thanks for okafor we are equipped for all these petty arguments

[Unbreakable99]

Jah looking slimmed down and in pretty good shape. I saw this last year too with the same videos of him working out in the pool. Ben Simmons is in the background in the second video.

[LordCovington33]

Jah looking slimmed down and in pretty good shape. I saw this last year too with the same videos of him working out in the pool. Ben Simmons is in the background in the second video.

I was more interested in Simmons in the background. His form was suspect. Needs to keep those palms flat on the ground.

[Chris76]

Okafor is a player you HAVE to focus on to likely bring out the best in him.Trying to make him into a PF, or some type of defensive anchor who's gonna battle on the boards and run the floor seems like its a pipe dream at this point., and frankly was to begin with when projecting him as a prospect.

Dude is a 1-way player who you give the ball to in the post or on the block and just backup and watch. Thats his skillset, scoring in iso situations down low. You would have to cater an entire unit/system around him to get the best out of him, and its likely the only way he may ever "get it" on the other end if he's being fed in a feature role on offense.

With Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and a coach running a system based on movement, passing,pace and space....I simply don't think he will ever "get it" here. Its like trying to implement an old Shaq into the 7 second Suns.

Simmons is going to need finishers, and Okafor would be incredible with a playmaker like Simmons. Okafor's #s are not fair, he didn't have a guard that could feed him, properly, His #s will be a lot better with Simmons. Also, he was always doubled and wasn't ready for it, like most rookies. But before his injury, he was getting better with the doubles. Now, teams won't be able to always double with more skilled teammates. Anyway, Okafor has a very good outside shot, he easily hits 15 footers in traffic, when on. Definitely, he could fit into a team role rather than the team changing for him. Unfortunately, he will never be a rim protector, but he could improve in other ways, like team defense and rebounding. Definitely, he gets it now or he's done.

[PhilasFinest]

I would love for Okafor to come into camp in great shape, quicker and with a new attitude/focus. If he could turn things around it would give us another element and piece to the puzzle.

[eagereyez]

Jah looking slimmed down and in pretty good shape. I saw this last year too with the same videos of him working out in the pool. Ben Simmons is in the background in the second video.

Spoiler:

He tricked you last year with his instagram workout vids. Don't fall for it again!