For the life of me, I can’t figure out why the Philadelphia 76ers still have Jahlil Okafor on the trading block. Even if they have no plans to get rid of him, someone should come out publicly and say that he’s untouchable.
The 76ers have been through enough darkness over the last few season and have finally found a shed light at the end of the tunnel, but in typical 76ers fashion, they may find a way to mess it all up. Okafor is a cornerstone to the team’s future success. He, paired with Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid and 2016 No.1 pick, Ben Simmons will form one of the best frontcourts this season.
During the draft, Okafor’s name was mentioned with so many teams that I lost count. But for what reason? What could the Boston Celtics possibly offer the 76ers that would let them remove their clutches from Okafor? Was it Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley or Jae Crowder, coupled with the No.3 pick? While that may seem enticing, neither of those players have the skill set that Okafor does.
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Last season, the rookie averaged 17 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes of action but was limited to 53 games due to injuries. Despite his lack of floor time, Okafor still showed what he could do if give adequate minutes and touches. Why would the team want to trade that? If there was an offer on the table for a Blake Griffin or Giannis Antetokounmpo, then that’s a different story, but give Okafor time to learn and adjust to the game before you throw him away.
This is the same team that has allowed Embiid two season to live basically rent free as he had to deal with knee injuries, but yet they want to give up a player that has PLAYED for pieces that may not fit. Now, there are new NBA Trade Rumors being reported from my buddies over at Parent Herald that the 76ers and Charlotte Hornets could make a swap. If neither of the unknown players is named Kemba Walker, then the 76ers must walk away from this deal.
This team has come too far to let one of their franchise players go. To trade Okafor now will be literally shooting themselves in the foot. Let it play out and see if he can become the next Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley or Andre Iguodala, but oh wait, they traded those players too.