Big men revisited – OKC Thunder have a size problem with an easy fix
Jahlil Okafor
The Philadelphia 76ers took a page out of Phil Jackson’s book called “how to devalue a tradeable asset”. Entering just his third year in the league, Jahlil Okafor has disappeared off the face of the planet, earning playing time in 1 of the first 6 games.
Following an injury to young big man Richaun Holmes, Sixers head coach Brett Brown elected use power forwards Amir Johnson or Dario Saric at the 5 instead of a specialist center. After weeks of wondering whether he was a part of the franchise’s future, coach Brown confirmed in an interview with Chris Haynes of ESPN that Okafor is healthy but not in the rotation.
It seems Philly are set to move him and are likely to sell low.
Throwback offense
Okafor is an absolute monster on the block. Averaging 14.7 points and 6 rebounds per game, his offensive repertoire is impressive. He is a throwback center who excels in bully ball. Although his style of play goes against the direction of today’s game, Okafor punishes perimeter oriented teams with his sheer size and offensive IQ.
Against the Washington Wizards last season, Okafor put on an offensive clinic. He poured in 26 points (10-16 shooting) and 9 rebounds in 35 minutes.
Two months later against Golden State, Okafor played his best all round performance as a pro. He finished with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks in 23 minutes, lighting up a weak interior defense.
Rotation Possibilities
Similar to the use of Hernangomez, Okafor can be the focal point of OKC’s offense. Although he is only averaging 1.2 assists for his career, he has shown flashes of vision and finding cutters on the baseline. Donovan could deploy a second unit of:
- Okafor, Patterson, Grant, George/Abrines, Felton
The Thunder lack a scoring threat down low and Okafor offers an opportunity to get easy buckets when the offense goes cold. Pairing Okafor with Patterson is fantastic for spacing as 2-Pat is a solid 3-point shooter. This will open the floor up for him to go to work in the post.
Okafor will never be a defensive maestro but he can be serviceable if he tries harder and focuses. While he isn’t the most athletically gifted player, Okafor’s monstrous 7’5 wingspan can block or alter shots at the rim. Oklahoma City is full of athletic wings capable of coming from the weak side to help while veterans like Patterson can guide him on defensive coverages.