The Philadelphia 76ers are two years into the rebuilding process. For Sixers fans it seems like centuries ago since when we had winning teams on the floor. We know that we are soon to make the turn into a winning franchise and put the dark years behind us.
Jahlil Okafor is going to be the player everyone in the Philly area and NBA has their eye on. He averaged 15.8 points and 8.4 rpg in Summer League play, and there is no reason as to why he can’t continue the play to that level into the season. Analysts have compared him to Tim Duncan — he scores a majority of his points in the paint and has a good low post presence on the defensive side well. You can also tell that Okafor has been working to incorporate a baseline jumper.
In this video, he tries to bank a lot of these jump shots which has the Tim Duncan-like aspect. He will have an even better chance of showing his talents now that Joel Embiid will be missing another season due to foot surgery. With this, Okafor and Noel will have a chance to become one of the new young duos in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers have to show some sort of light and earn some quality wins for it to be a successful season. Having Jahlil Okafor become the best rookie in the league should be just as important.
Okafor will have plenty of competition this season. Number one overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns is teaming up with Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine to create a triple threat on that young Timberwolves team. But can Karl-Anthony Towns stay out of foul trouble? D’Angelo Russell has a chance to be the next great for the Laker, but will Kobe let him shine or still attempt to take over the team? Emmanuel Mudiay will also contend for the Rookie of the Year award as Ty Lawson leaving Denver frees up his playing opportunities.
What kind of play can we expect from Jahlil Okafor? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Okafor has a chance to be the best offensive rookie in the Eastern Conference this year. That should be enough to win him Rookie of the Year.