NBA Rumors: Sixers’ Jahlil Okafor Could Be Back On The Trading Block In The Offseason

With an awful record of 8-54, the Philadelphia 76ers are once again one of the worst teams in the entire NBA, but this was all by design. The 76ers will once again pick towards the top of a draft that features phenom Ben Simmons, and this may finally be the last year that the team attempts to lose on purpose. Last year’s first round pick, Jahlil Okafor, has been impressive on the offensive side of the basketball, but rumors are going around that the team may attempt to unload him in the offseason.

While the Philadelphia 76ers have drafted a variety of young talent over the past few years including Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, and Jahlil Okafor, things have not exactly played out according to plan. After Carter-Williams won the Rookie of the Year award, he was traded the following season. Noel has been solid, but he is not exactly on the path to becoming a superstar. Regardless, Noel is important on the defensive end of the court, and he is likely to anchor the 76ers defense for years to come. Embiid has yet to play a game, but he is apparently going to finally return healthy for the 2016-2017 season.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the original rumors for trading Okafor started in the middle of January. While Okafor was never moved, the rumor picked up steam and was reported by numerous sources. Even though it seemed unlikely that the 76ers would move Okafor, 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie has an unorthodox way of doing things.

As SB Nation reported, there was actually a deal that almost happened that involved Okafor being traded to the Boston Celtics. Celtics executive Danny Ainge spoke about the alleged deal, but he did not actually name Okafor.

“One story I probably can share with you is — I can’t tell you the team or the name — but it was very close. It’s something that we had been deliberating on for two days straight. The other team was doing that, and we were wrapping ourselves around a big package to do a deal. And at the very last minute they just said they did not want to do it. They just backed out. So it was a deal that was talked about, thought about, and that was probably the closest that we came.”

SB Nation and other sources confirmed that the mystery player was Okafor, which confirms earlier rumors that the 76ers are willing to deal their rookie. So why exactly would the team want to trade a 20-year-old that is averaging 17.5 points per game? While Okafor’s offensive game is likely going to continue to improve, his rebounding and defense leave a lot to be desired. His 7.0 rebounds per game is not awful, but he needs to be better on the boards.

As SB Nation notes, Okafor’s defense is a huge concern, and the 76ers are better with him on the bench and Nerlens Noel at the center position.

“Philadelphia is still bad when the two have been split up, but the results haven’t been nearly as ghastly. The Sixers’ defense has been quite stout with Noel on the floor without Okafor, giving up under 100 points per 100 possessions in those situations. That’s the mark of a top 10 unit and a continuation of the solid defense the team played at the end of last season as Noel improved. Okafor without Noel has brought better offense and equally terrible defense, which isn’t surprising given the rookie’s shortcomings on that end of the floor. While Okafor has great size and length, he’s slow of foot, not an explosive leaper and has poor defensive instincts. It’s hard to see him ever becoming an effective rim protector.”

Some experts claim that defense is largely about effort, but Okafor may not be athletic enough to be a solid defender in today’s NBA. While his offensive game is a huge asset to the 76ers, he may very well be expendable with a healthy Joel Embiid. Okafor and Noel have already proven that they do not play well together, and things are going to get crowded in the team’s front court when Embiid returns. Embiid, Noel, and Okafor are all going to want to start and receive significant playing time, and Okafor could be the odd man out in the mix. As CBS Philadelphia notes, Okafor is a good player, but he could limit Embiid’s massive potential.

76ers fans: trust the process and trade Jahlil Okafor?https://t.co/z5LUwj7Pm1

— CBS Local Sports (@CBSLocalSports) February 24, 2016

With the Philadelphia 76ers already showing their hand that they are willing to trade Jahlil Okafor, rumors will continue to come out regarding the possibility that he is moved in the offseason. Everything is going to depend on Joel Embiid’s health, but the team could be better off in the long run by moving their young center.

[Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images]