Welcome Okafor: Thread 2

[Ericb5]

The team plays defense by making it a 3pt shootout (3s vs 2s) and funnelling their man to our center. They force turn-overs now and then, but they are not great at it and they make more turn-overs than their opponent.

Noel is a defensive savant, but he also has strength issue that doesn't allow him to be a good rebounder and a post defender to be "THE CENTER."

I also don't think the team likes to play with Jah. And it boils down to how difficult it is for them to get good looks playing small than with Jah-ffense. The volume of open shots they get playing drive and draw is much better than the obstacle course they need to execute before getting open in Jah-ffense (get jah into good position, entry pass, double team and kick-out takes a lot of time and has a high TO rate).

Theoretically, Noel should compensate jah's defense. Our perimeter shooters should give Jah good spacing. But it has become a disaster that the team now is designed to expose Jah's flaws. Defensively, he's not Gobert or Whiteside that can provide help defense for our poor perimeter defender nor help Noel grab rebounds. Offensively, playing small, driving and shooting is better than post offense and most of the guys know it and aren't buying to Jah-ffense.

Most of our guys just sucks and aren't fit with any NBA level-offense. I don't care if they fit Okafor. They just played as bad without OK4 which has been proved the past two games.

Yeah, our "team" outside of Okafor and Noel is filled with players that may not be in the NBA a year from now, let alone on the Sixers. How they feel about playing with Okafor is irrelevant to me.

Just judging by how the bench reacts to some of his scoring plays shows me that they are big fans of his.






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[PhillyFever]

I think the team around Okafor is hurting his development as a complete basketball player. Offensively, the lack of play makers around him has led to far too many ISO's while not stressing ball movement and team play. He commanded a double team the first game and we have not seen progress on his ability to attract and punish doubles. Defensively, he's being asked to cover for the other awful defenders on the team while his defensive awareness is not a strength at this point. They run an under 6 ft backcourt that can't stay in front of anyone. No one is rotating correctly so there is no model / example for him to go off of, let alone the fact that they've changed his position. Derek Bodner tweeted an opinion that if Okafor were on the celtics they'd maintain an elite defensive level because of the team around him. I don't understand why they are not putting that structure around a young offensively gifted big man.

It's one thing to go best player available in the draft all the time, its another to stunt their development by not putting them in the best possible situation to learn and grow. This devalues the player in the market.

[Kolkmania]

I think the team around Okafor is hurting his development as a complete basketball player. Offensively, the lack of play makers around him has led to far too many ISO's while not stressing ball movement and team play. He commanded a double team the first game and we have not seen progress on his ability to attract and punish doubles. Defensively, he's being asked to cover for the other awful defenders on the team while his defensive awareness is not a strength at this point. They run an under 6 ft backcourt that can't stay in front of anyone. No one is rotating correctly so there is no model / example for him to go off of, let alone the fact that they've changed his position. Derek Bodner tweeted an opinion that if Okafor were on the celtics they'd maintain an elite defensive level because of the team around him. I don't understand why they are not putting that structure around a young offensively gifted big man.

It's one thing to go best player available in the draft all the time, its another to stunt their development by not putting them in the best possible situation to learn and grow. This devalues the player in the market.

Because it's hard to do

Requires basketball players with high defensive IQ (Smart, Bradley, Crowder, A. Johnson and even Turner has surprised me all year with his awareness) and a great coach (Bradley Stevens). I agree that Okafor's deficiencies can be somewhat masked in a great defensive system, but his offensive skills will be more useful on the offensive end when he is surrounded with smarter players. It still amazes me that there is literally no action at the weakside when Okafor has his back to the basket.

[Ericb5]

The first thing that has to happen with regard to Okafor on this team is that we have to determine if he can play with Embiid. If they answer is yes, as I suspect that it is, then the next question is how do we put players around them to make it work? If the answer is no, then Okafor will need to be traded. This is assuming a healthy Embiid obviously, which can't be assumed yet.

Okafor is about three quarters of the way through is rookie season. The fact that we don't have a good support system in terms of players on the floor that make things easier for him right now is not a big deal and can be fixed in the offseason. It will be a process.

Okafor has strengths and weaknesses right now, and given the lack of quality in his teammates, his strengths showing through is a testament to his talent because it will definitely be easier for him to succeed offensively with better teammates in the future, and yet he is still succeeding. His weaknesses can be game planned around, and should REALLY benefit from better teammates.

At this point we have just discovered what we have, and in the future we will need to figure out how to maximize what we have.

[76ciology]

I think the team around Okafor is hurting his development as a complete basketball player. Offensively, the lack of play makers around him has led to far too many ISO's while not stressing ball movement and team play. He commanded a double team the first game and we have not seen progress on his ability to attract and punish doubles. Defensively, he's being asked to cover for the other awful defenders on the team while his defensive awareness is not a strength at this point. They run an under 6 ft backcourt that can't stay in front of anyone. No one is rotating correctly so there is no model / example for him to go off of, let alone the fact that they've changed his position. Derek Bodner tweeted an opinion that if Okafor were on the celtics they'd maintain an elite defensive level because of the team around him. I don't understand why they are not putting that structure around a young offensively gifted big man.

It's one thing to go best player available in the draft all the time, its another to stunt their development by not putting them in the best possible situation to learn and grow. This devalues the player in the market.

Because it's hard to do

Requires basketball players with high defensive IQ (Smart, Bradley, Crowder, A. Johnson and even Turner has surprised me all year with his awareness) and a great coach (Bradley Stevens). I agree that Okafor's deficiencies can be somewhat masked in a great defensive system, but his offensive skills will be more useful on the offensive end when he is surrounded with smarter players. It still amazes me that there is literally no action at the weakside when Okafor has his back to the basket.

Yeah, because they're in demand. Guys like Crowder are the type of guys every team needs from rebuilding teams like us to contenders like Thunders. You will have to take the risk in overpaying them. And if you eventually find one, they also could hurt your draft position. What we're doing is actually the cheaper way that is a win-win where you either find a cheap 3&D guy and lock him up with a cheap contract like RoCo if not then you let these spot-up shooters develop on the fly that leads to higher draft position.

[76ciology]

The first thing that has to happen with regard to Okafor on this team is that we have to determine if he can play with Embiid. If they answer is yes, as I suspect that it is, then the next question is how do we put players around them to make it work? If the answer is no, then Okafor will need to be traded. This is assuming a healthy Embiid obviously, which can't be assumed yet.

Okafor is about three quarters of the way through is rookie season. The fact that we don't have a good support system in terms of players on the floor that make things easier for him right now is not a big deal and can be fixed in the offseason. It will be a process.

Okafor has strengths and weaknesses right now, and given the lack of quality in his teammates, his strengths showing through is a testament to his talent because it will definitely be easier for him to succeed offensively with better teammates in the future, and yet he is still succeeding. His weaknesses can be game planned around, and should REALLY benefit from better teammates.

At this point we have just discovered what we have, and in the future we will need to figure out how to maximize what we have.

Jah works better in a well structured team. And I mean being the third option w/ two 2 or + ORPM guard/wings and a team composed of non-liabilities on defense. He'd be good in a balanced team like the Celtics, Cavs or the Heat.

[PhillyFever]

I feel like this has been a lost season all the way around. What we saw of Okafor in college is basically what we see now, aside from improved free throw shooting. He's an offensively skilled big man who needs to learn how to play NBA level tactics on offense and defense. The sixers don't have that structure around him so its not allowing him to develop. Even if Embiid comes back fully healthy, he may not be better than Okafor on the offensive side so you have to look at this guy as a cornerstone of your program for the time being.

[HotelVitale]

I feel like this has been a lost season all the way around. What we saw of Okafor in college is basically what we see now, aside from improved free throw shooting. He's an offensively skilled big man who needs to learn how to play NBA level tactics on offense and defense. The sixers don't have that structure around him so its not allowing him to develop. Even if Embiid comes back fully healthy, he may not be better than Okafor on the offensive side so you have to look at this guy as a cornerstone of your program for the time being.

I mean, he's gotten a lot more efficient and seems to know a little more what he can and can't get away with. That's really all you can expect from any rookie, especially a 19/20 year old.

[Mik317]

most of Jah's "development" will come in the offseason by virtue of ideally getting in better shape and working on his touch from a far

[Ericb5]

most of Jah's "development" will come in the offseason by virtue of ideally getting in better shape and working on his touch from a far

The summer should be great for him, but I think he has already clearly improved a lot this year.

He came in as mostly a low post scorer, and he does a lot of damage now with his face up game, and is even hitting some jumpers.

His free throws, and stamina is much better, and his defense has been better than you would expect at the 4.


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[76ciology]

most of Jah's "development" will come in the offseason by virtue of ideally getting in better shape and working on his touch from a far

The summer should be great for him, but I think he has already clearly improved a lot this year.

He came in as mostly a low post scorer, and he does a lot of damage now with his face up game, and is even hitting some jumpers.

His free throws, and stamina is much better, and his defense has been better than you would expect at the 4.


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Yeah. His play in January was really evident of his improvement. He had 104DRTG with 60TS%. In Feb, he continued to score well. Had a couple of monster games against Nets and Kings. Team defense has been horrible this feb, so I wouldn't say he has regressed, specially when his defense at the PF position in Feb is better than expected.

Skillwise, he's really been improving. He's taking and making jumpers in January. He's scoring more in transition as a PF in Feb. BB also talked about how Jah is in great shape. Defensively, he's been rotating much better. My only complain is that his rebounding hasn't improved at all.

[Kirk Van Houten]

He's shown more improvement in 1 month than nerlens has in his career. It's pretty evident now that he's a special player. Elite offense (Can't be questioned) and he has shown good improvement in being able to defend at the 4 and 5.


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[76ciology]

He's shown more improvement in 1 month than nerlens has in his career. It's pretty evident now that he's a special player. Elite offense (Can't be questioned) and he has shown good improvement in being able to defend at the 4 and 5.


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In fairness, it's because Noel's game is a better fit in today's NBA. Where most Cs are low impact scorers and high impact defenders. Although adding a jumpshot, being a better post defender and improving his rebounding is much welcome.

For Jah, he pretty much needs to revamp his entire game. From being a stationary post scorer and stationary zone defender into a range+drive scorer, rotation defender and range rebounder. For now his rebounding is one area that is very much lagging. Although his per 36 rebounding numbers are right there with Horford, Gasol and Adams. But his typical 2 rebounds game drives me nuts.

[Ericb5]

He's shown more improvement in 1 month than nerlens has in his career. It's pretty evident now that he's a special player. Elite offense (Can't be questioned) and he has shown good improvement in being able to defend at the 4 and 5.


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In fairness, it's because Noel's game is a better fit in today's NBA. Where most Cs are low impact scorers and high impact defenders. Although adding a jumpshot, being a better post defender and improving his rebounding is much welcome.

For Jah, he pretty much needs to revamp his entire game. From being a stationary post scorer and stationary zone defender into a range+drive scorer, rotation defender and range rebounder. For now his rebounding is one area that is very much lagging. Although his per 36 rebounding numbers are right there with Horford, Gasol and Adams. But his typical 2 rebounds game drives me nuts.

I think that what we are seeing with JAH is how well rounded his offensive talent really is. In high school and college he was largely a low post back to the basket scorer because he could dominate there. He really didn't NEED to show all of the other skills. I'm not saying that he always had this in his game. I just think that he has the potential to basically do anything on offense, and he is now getting the opportunity to work on these aspects and grow them.

Sort of like Simmons being able to dominate without needing to shoot jump shots. We will see how well Simmons starts improving his jumper once the lack of one starts being a limiting factor in his effectiveness.

[Agnostifarian]

He's shown more improvement in 1 month than nerlens has in his career. It's pretty evident now that he's a special player. Elite offense (Can't be questioned) and he has shown good improvement in being able to defend at the 4 and 5.


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In fairness, it's because Noel's game is a better fit in today's NBA. Where most Cs are low impact scorers and high impact defenders. Although adding a jumpshot, being a better post defender and improving his rebounding is much welcome.

For Jah, he pretty much needs to revamp his entire game. From being a stationary post scorer and stationary zone defender into a range+drive scorer, rotation defender and range rebounder. For now his rebounding is one area that is very much lagging. Although his per 36 rebounding numbers are right there with Horford, Gasol and Adams. But his typical 2 rebounds game drives me nuts.

I think that what we are seeing with JAH is how well rounded his offensive talent really is. In high school and college he was largely a low post back to the basket scorer because he could dominate there. He really didn't NEED to show all of the other skills. I'm not saying that he always had this in his game. I just think that he has the potential to basically do anything on offense, and he is now getting the opportunity to work on these aspects and grow them.

Sort of like Simmons being able to dominate without needing to shoot jump shots. We will see how well Simmons starts improving his jumper once the lack of one starts being a limiting factor in his effectiveness.

When Jah receives the ball above the between the foul line and top of the key, he can be devastating. He can shoot the J, drive right or left and he will force double teams. This should leave shooters and cutters wide open for easy baskets. I can see Jah leading the league in assists (PFs & Cs) -- Noah with an offensive game. If he swings the ball he can follow it and rescreen or roll to the basket. A power PG (Wall/Dunn/Muiday type) and three guys who can shoot and play some PNR would put up a ton of points. That is how I see Jah being most efficient. It's not a good scheme for Noel and Embiid but this isn't their thread.

[HartfordWhalers]

It's not a good scheme for Noel and Embiid but this isn't their thread.

Made my day.

[mksp]

Russell is starting to play really well lately. I was wrong about him coming out pre-draft, the lack of athleticism isn't killing him as much as I thought it would. Mudiay is getting better as well, but hasn't looked as good as Russell.

Meanwhile everyone knows how I feel about Okafor, so I'm just gonna say that this year has been very depressing for someone who was totally on board with Hinkie and the process.

[Ericb5]

Russell is starting to play really well lately. I was wrong about him coming out pre-draft, the lack of athleticism isn't killing him as much as I thought it would. Mudiay is getting better as well, but hasn't looked as good as Russell.

Meanwhile everyone knows how I feel about Okafor, so I'm just gonna say that this year has been very depressing for someone who was totally on board with Hinkie and the process.

Russell HAS been playing well recently, but he isn't playing the point, and a lot of people thought/think that he will, and that at the point is where his maximum value would be. He is a great shooter, and can handle the ball and pass it. He has a great future, but I still am relieved that the Lakers took him.

[BoomBap]

Russell is starting to play really well lately. I was wrong about him coming out pre-draft, the lack of athleticism isn't killing him as much as I thought it would. Mudiay is getting better as well, but hasn't looked as good as Russell.

Meanwhile everyone knows how I feel about Okafor, so I'm just gonna say that this year has been very depressing for someone who was totally on board with Hinkie and the process.

worst team i have ever seen. Give Jah at least the next season, when we have way more talent. There is no reason to give up or being depressed. #Trusttheprocess

[ET Da Gawd]

You got some mental issues if not having D-Russ got you depressed...Jahlil will be the best big in basketball in the not so distant future, get used to seeing post play fool