Welcome Okafor

[76ciology]

Really surprised with the ease that Okafor has acquired the pick n pop to his repertoire. Maybe Pringles has really helped in this regard or maybe another Ish effect. Needless to say hours upon hours from Jah. Next step, pick n roll.

I think Jah needs to be more polished on his jumpers and continue to expand his range on offense. But more work on the intangible stuffs you learn with experience like how to get more to the line, how to draw fouls when getting into post position and how to allot his energy and pace himself to prevent getting burn out. Looking at KP, seems like he's an opportunistic scorer with heavy pick and pop game. It allows him to stay longer in the game and be more active on the defensive end. The recent 25-27 minute restriction has allowed him to be more efficient on offense and be more impactful on defense.

[marcush]

Really surprised with the ease that Okafor has acquired the pick n pop to his repertoire. Maybe Pringles has really helped in this regard or maybe another Ish effect. Needless to say hours upon hours from Jah. Next step, pick n roll.

I think Jah needs to be more polished on his jumpers and continue to expand his range on offense. But more work on the intangible stuffs you learn with experience like how to get more to the line and how to allot his energy and pace himself to prevent getting burn out. Looking at KP, seems like he's an opportunistic scorer with heavy pick and pop game. It allows him to stay longer in the game and be more active on the defensive end. The recent 25-27 minute restriction has allowed him to be more efficient on offense and be more impactful on defense.

Interesting. That's why to me, the next obvious step for me is to start rolling so that he can draw more fouls, get more action going to the rim. KP is also under-utilised in that regard but since the triangle doesn't really encourage that sort of thing he probably stays on the perimeter except for cuts.

As for stretching that range even further, well I wouldn't of thought that should be the aim but considering the way his jumper is coming, well maybe.

[76ciology]

Jah is at his best with limited minutes for now, just like most rookies. He has a high usage for a rookie because he is basically asked to carry the team's offense and defense. And I don't know if there's any rookie this year that carries that much responsibility.

The heavy minutes, lack of talented teammates and fast pace are leading to jah's inefficiency and negative on court impact. And the team pretty much change it up this January by adding Ish, slowing the pace with Jah (from 98 to KP's pace of 94) and limiting his minutes comparable to KP and Kat at the 27mpg range versus the 32mpg he was playing prior to Jan. In effect it has lead him to score 60TS%, 62FG% and 18ppg on offense while getting below 105 DRTG (same range with KAT and KP)

[76ciology]

Really surprised with the ease that Okafor has acquired the pick n pop to his repertoire. Maybe Pringles has really helped in this regard or maybe another Ish effect. Needless to say hours upon hours from Jah. Next step, pick n roll.

I think Jah needs to be more polished on his jumpers and continue to expand his range on offense. But more work on the intangible stuffs you learn with experience like how to get more to the line and how to allot his energy and pace himself to prevent getting burn out. Looking at KP, seems like he's an opportunistic scorer with heavy pick and pop game. It allows him to stay longer in the game and be more active on the defensive end. The recent 25-27 minute restriction has allowed him to be more efficient on offense and be more impactful on defense.

Interesting. That's why to me, the next obvious step for me is to start rolling so that he can draw more fouls, get more action going to the rim. KP is also under-utilised in that regard but since the triangle doesn't really encourage that sort of thing he probably stays on the perimeter except for cuts.

As for stretching that range even further, well I wouldn't of thought that should be the aim but considering the way his jumper is coming, well maybe.

It's tough to roll to the basket when he's playing with another big where there would be another shot blocker waiting. That's why the current set-up of Jah as spacer for Noel's lob pass opp worked well. When Ish runs the PnR, he has three options. 1.) Jah's jumper 2.) lob for Noel 3.) kickout to shooters.

And that's why our offense sucked earlier because with Jah and Noel clogging each other, TJ has no choice but to kick it out rather than leading it to a heavily challenged shots for our bigs in the paint or turning the ball over passing in traffic.

Expanding his range and having lethal jumper would force opposing rim protectors to go out that allows our guards to drive. While for Jah, it allows him to be more energetic on the rebounding/defensive end with less exerted effort on offense with all the roll/cuts. Not saying he should totally leave his iso/dribble and post game, just the right mix IMO. That's why KP was able to look so strong despite his rail frame because he is basically conserving energy on the offensive end.

[Raid843]

Espn's bottom line says "Knicks outlast Sixers in 2ot despite Porzingis' injury"

Maybe if Porzingis was in the game, Okafor would've seen OT and got some hype. Is it a good thing that Jahlil gets to fly under the radar and get better without distraction? The whole NYC media definitely helps Porzingis. I'm just thinking people are gonna "forget" about Okafor... then next thing you know its preseason with hopefully Embiid and our #1 pick bringing a lot of cameras to the Sixers. Then BAM appears Okafor, looking like a vet. Just being around people on his level will elevate his energy and game

I'm sorry, I started drinking a new tea that's supposed to elevate your mood. Plus Colangelo got in my head with that "Don't be surprised how fast this turns around this summer" talk. The optimism is real.

[76ciology]

Espn's bottom line says "Knicks outlast Sixers in 2ot despite Porzingis' injury"

Maybe if Porzingis was in the game, Okafor would've seen OT and got some hype. Is it a good thing that Jahlil gets to fly under the radar and get better without distraction? The whole NYC media definitely helps Porzingis. I'm just thinking people are gonna "forget" about Okafor... then next thing you know its preseason with hopefully Embiid and our #1 pick bringing a lot of cameras to the Sixers. Then BAM appears Okafor, looking like a vet. Just being around people on his level will elevate his energy and game

I'm sorry, I started drinking a new tea that's supposed to elevate your mood. Plus Colangelo got in my head with that "Don't be surprised how fast this turns around this summer" talk. The optimism is real.

Okafor looks like a very chill guy (aside from the boston incidents and etc.), being "disrespected" and not put under the spotlight has done him well where he looks dedicated to improve his game and eventually make some noise in the long run.

[76ciology]

Okafor January

On court: 100ORTG 104DRTG (2nd highest behind JaKarr) 94pace

Off court: 98.2ORTG 109.3DRTG 101 pace

[timLH]

Trading either Noel or Jah this season really makes no sense. We have to keep both of them at least till the trade deadline of 16-17.
Jah is just too talented. He is skilled, learns fast and has good frame. His defense, rebound and shooting improve steadily. You will regret someday when he becomes dominant in the league. (Look at Drummond and Favors, it takes years for them to develop)
While Noel is always an efficient plug-in which provides great defense and some easy points on offense.

Even if Biid returns and we are lucky enough to get Simmons, I see no problem with the playing time next year. You have minute restriction on Biid; conditioning on Jah and Saric; and experiment on Simmons at 3.

Okafor (28)/Embiid (20)
Noel (30)/Saric (18)
Simmons (30)/ Thompson (18)
Stauskas (24)/ Covington (24)
Smith (30)/TJ (18)

The core should be like this, while adding some NBA caliber 3&D players via trade, draft or FA is a bonus. Let’s figure the system out and decide who stay and who go in 16-17 when the talent is there. TRUST THE PROCESS.

[tsmith]

Trading either Noel or Jah this season really makes no sense. We have to keep both of them at least till the trade deadline of 16-17.
Jah is just too talented. He is skilled, learns fast and has good frame. His defense, rebound and shooting improve steadily. You will regret someday when he becomes dominant in the league. (Look at Drummond and Favors, it takes years for them to develop)
While Noel is always an efficient plug-in which provides great defense and some easy points on offense.

Even if Biid returns and we are lucky enough to get Simmons, I see no problem with the playing time next year. You have minute restriction on Biid; conditioning on Jah and Saric; and experiment on Simmons at 3.

Okafor (28)/Embiid (20)
Noel (30)/Saric (18)
Simmons (30)/ Thompson (18)
Stauskas (24)/ Covington (24)
Smith (30)/TJ (18)

The core should be like this, while adding some NBA caliber 3&D players via trade, draft or FA is a bonus. Let’s figure the system out and decide who stay and who go in 16-17 when the talent is there. TRUST THE PROCESS.

Playing Saric 18mins a night would be a crime. Also throw in Holmes and Grant at the 4 and there clearly would be a problem with playing time, not to mention the fact that Simmons could be more impactful at the 4

[76ciology]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/sbondynydn/status/689282688591736832[/tweet]

Hopefully Jah doesn't follow the same path

[PhilasFinest]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/sbondynydn/status/689282688591736832[/tweet]

Hopefully Jah doesn't follow the same path

Okafor doesn't necessarily disappear down the stretch....the coach just buries him on the bench

[Kolkmania]

Still, remains more difficult to get the ball in the hands of a big men down the stretch. It is not a coincidence Lopez' number of touches vanish in crutch time. But with Okafor's extended range of late, I'd rather have him ISO on the perimeter than Covington/Thompson/Sampson/Grant :')

[USWAY]

Jahlil Okafor just turned 20. Jahlil Okafor is very skilled. Jahlil Okafor learns very quickly. Jahlil Okafor keeps getting better. We probably shouldn't trade Jahlil Okafor.

[PhilasFinest]

I could see if we were the Golden State Warriors or we were matching up with a team of that caliber.... But the Knicks were running Amundson/Lopez at the 5, Melo at the 4, Lance Thomas at the 3 (is a tweener), Afflalo and Calderon/Galloway.

We got back into the game with a smaller lineup, which made sense. We went small, played fast and made perimeter shots.
But once the game was tied or we had a lead....we should have put in Okafor and got him a touch or 2. He would have had a advantage on anyone on the floor at that time and would have forced the Knicks to go bigger.

Our offense got stagnant as players got gassed and the defense of NY adjusted. It was Ish, pounding the ball for 20 seconds and trying to force a drive or find an offensively challenged player for a poor shot. The were clogging the paint and shutting down the PNR.

Okafor can take the ball, ISO and create a shot...unlike anyone that was on the floor outside of Ish.

I understand Okafor has some weaknesses on defense...but he was playing good basketball through the 1st 3 quarters, and was dominant on offense. The fact we didn't even look his way, for the likes of Isaiah Canaan and Hollis Thompson is baffling and utterly stupid. He needs to play in these types of games to develop, and I'm starting to worry. We likely wont get equal value back in a deal, but the way were using him considering the lack of talent on the roster is a joke.

Embiid is more athletically gifted and should be a better defender, but I don't know what the hell its going to look like next season trying to get these 3 guys involved. Sadly, were likely going to end up biting a bullet and taking some type of loss on one of these kids, because they simply are not going to fit together.

[CoreyGallagher]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/alecbnathan/status/689477964795260928[/tweet]

His shooting has been referenced, but it's nice to see it visually.

[Kobblehead]

Raise up that trade value, baby!

[LeonJordanJr24]

Okafor and Embiid with Saric as the 6th man has potential to be special. Build around that front court and some nba caliber wings and guards and kill the league.

[rzzzzz]

Okafor and Embiid with Saric as the 6th man has potential to be special. Build around that front court and some nba caliber wings and guards and kill the league.

Saric playing point forward to further space and feed the 2 big guys has some potential. with the draft...

[CoreyGallagher]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/xylondimoff/status/689548431962992640[/tweet]

http://hoop76.com/quick-chat-jahlil-okafors-defense/

Worth reading, presents the good and the bad.

[76ciology]

Lesser minutes, less post plays and more jumpers are leading to more energy for Jah at the defensive end. Same recipe for KP and Towns.

Less post plays and shooting 50+FG% on those jumpers while jumpers generates less TOs, leads to higher ORTG. The team is worst in generating opponent's TO when he's on the floor. So a higher TS% and lesser TO% offense when he's on the line-up obviously helps.