I was impressed by what I saw last night from 76ers rookie Jahlil Okafor. He scored 20 points and struggled a bit in the first half while shooting only 3 for 11. He got it going in the second half and shot 7 for 11.
I got the chance to see his great footwork and moves in the post. He scored turning to the baseline with a bank shot. He also scored by turning to the middle of the lane and shooting a fall away jumper. When he gets the ball in the post, Okafor seems to have no trouble going either way and getting his shot off.
Okafor reminds me a little of Kevin McHale because his footwork is very good, but he’s not a great leaper. This young man showed us some of his outstanding passing ability. He gets the ball out of his hands so quickly that the defenders don’t have time to react to it. He will be difficult to successfully double-team because the big guy keeps his head up and sees double teamers coming.
It was an easy 20 point effort for Okafor. The big guy plays so well in the post that he makes scoring look very easy. I can see why it would be easy to run the offense through Okafor because he’s not selfish and he makes good decisions and he makes them quickly.
“I just got more comfortable,” Okafor said according to Philly.com. “I hadn’t played a five-on-five since the national championship game [between Duke and Wisconsin]. So it’s just getting adjusted, getting some of the rust out. Just talking with my teammates and just figuring it out.
“It’s a process, and I’m excited about it.”
He’s a good rebounder, who gets off the ground quickly and has a big body to help him get in position. We also got the chance to see Okafor’s biggest weakness, which is his inability to shoot free throws. He was zero for four from the line. A guy with as good of a shooting touch like Okafor should be able to shoot free throws better than he does.
The Sixers have got to figure this out or it will take him off the floor at the end of tight games.
A Great Start for the young man Okafor and the 76ers.
Okafor was the most NBA Ready Player in this Draft hands down,
With Mario Herzonja,who went #5 to the Magic, a close 2nd…
Jahlil Okafor is a stud. He is only 19 years old and already shows veteran polish and skill as it relates to his footwork, scoring with a soft touch, and an understanding of what to do with the basketball, including his passing the rock when he sees a double team coming. Last night Jahlil demonstrated some of the reasons I wanted the Sixers to take him whether Russell was on the board or not. He will only continue to improve as he gets stronger and used to the NBA game competition. He has to work on his free throw shooting, but has time to do that. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Okafor was the Best Player in this Draft, End of Story.. The Lakers will regret Big-Time on Passing on him at #2 for Guard Russell who will be a nice Player,
but not a consistent, productive player like Okafor will be from Day 1..
Okafor was a Steal at #3
After seeing Okafor play, I don’t understand why the Sixers haven’t gone out and tried to acquire a quality point guard. This team could atleast compete in the East, and they have the pick swap with Sacremento who look like they are going to be terrible. I’m not saying mortgage the future for a star, but atleast give Noel and Okafor someone who can run the floor and pass it to them down low.
I think with a decent young point guard, this team could win 30+ games.
BEN SIMMONS IS THE REASON
Ben Simmons would be the Coup De Grace to the tanking strategy…I want him in Sixers blue too!!!
Either you go all out for a Ty Lawson or Eric Bledsoe or you see what you have in Wroten and maybe develop a D League guy etc.
You can make the playoffs in the East but that doesnt make you a competitor. On top of that you can end up like the Celtics with a million mid round picks and no one wanting to jump on them to either move up in the draft or for a star.
Every team passing from 7-10 this year on trades with the Celtics showed how teams are looking toward the future and the draft.
On top of that if a Cory Joseph is getting a 40mil contract this year its probably just best to develop from within.
Also the Sixers will be players again at the deadline this year.
I agree Izzell. Crap is out of control this year and mediocre players are getting a crapton of money. The are not going to be competitive this year. Let the big men play and see if you have anything in any of the guards that you have. If Stauskus can knock down shots and be Kyle Corver 2.0, that would be great.
As far as Guards go in Free-Agency
Guard L Barbosa returns to Warriors on a 1 Year $2.5 Million Deal
Guard Mo Williams returns back to Cav’s on a 2 Year $4.3 Million Deal
Guard Gary Neal signs 1 Year Deal with Wizards for $2.5 Million
Guard Aaron Brooks re-signs a 1 Year Deal to remain with the Bulls
Long-Term Deals
Guard Wes Matthews Signs 4 Year $64 Million with Dallas Mavs
Guard Reggie Jackson Signs 5 Year $80 Million with Detroit Pistons
Lets relax on Ben Simmons. Guards are notorious for being exposed hype wise…..
Just look at Dante Exum.
And Andrew Wiggins wasnt the all world savior that many had him pegged for.
And Ben Simmons will not be a PG when its all said and done. He is a point foward.
I still want him on the 76ers!
He needs to dominate college this season….I want to see that jumper improve….right now its nonexistent.
The hype is on for him though.
Don’t think anyone is projecting simmons as a pg. guys gonna be a monster. Wiggins had a very good rookie season and will be a star not a
Great. Only peeps that were saying exum was the truth was Jon hart
Simmons is a point forward all the way and is starting to get stretch 4 label.
Simmons is the best prospect since unibrow.
Pg
Simmons
Saric
Noel
Jahlil/embiid
Your looking at a dynasty potentially
Simmons is the missing piece. We aren’t going to get a free agent star scorer anytime soon so we best get him.
We have gotten arguably the best player in the last three drafts but we need to get the best player in the next draft? My head hurts!
2016 76ers Mock Draft for the 1st Round
#4 Pick Jaylen Brown SF 6-7 220lbs (California)
#5 Pick Jamal Murray PG 6-5 205lbs (Kentucky)
#13 Pick EC Matthews PG 6-5 190lbs (Rhode Island)
Awful.
Man McRae garbage, back to the D-league