[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Anyone else think it’s going to go two ways with him? Hes going to bust or at best be Al Jefferson? I just don’t see how a player who does one thing great(post score) and one thing ok(rebound) but then does everything else bad, be out-of-shape, and somehow be a great player unless he’s Al Jefferson. Also with Wroten, Noel, and Okafor on the floor at the same time, why do people think this is going to work out? It’s like when the Pistons had Smith, Monroe, and Drummond. Don’t give me summer league stuff either, it’s just pick-up bball.

[CobraParticipant]

 Sixer fan here. I’ve never been a big fan of Jah. Like you said he has a great low post repertoire but thats it. Can’t score field goals outside of five feet, horrific FT shooter, terrible defender, decent rebouder, usually praised for his passing but takes forever to make reads and he’s a turnover machine, etc. But Hinkie isn’t really building a team with prospects that perfectly complement each other, he’s collecting players who he thinks have the highest value and then sort things out from there. It would be nice if Noel and Okafor make a great pairing, but Hinkie’s plan doesn’t depend on that. As long as his picks don’t play horrible, he’ll be able to offer a nice package to a team shopping an established player in the future. In Jah’s case, as long as his PPG is at a nice level with a solid FG% there will be teams out there who highly value that. Two teams think Enes Kanter is worth $70M dollars!

[CobraParticipant]

 Sixer fan here. I’ve never been a big fan of Jah. Like you said he has a great low post repertoire but thats it. Can’t score field goals outside of five feet, horrific FT shooter, terrible defender, decent rebouder, usually praised for his passing but takes forever to make reads and he’s a turnover machine, etc. But Hinkie isn’t really building a team with prospects that perfectly complement each other, he’s collecting players who he thinks have the highest value and then sort things out from there. It would be nice if Noel and Okafor make a great pairing, but Hinkie’s plan doesn’t depend on that. As long as his picks don’t play horrible, he’ll be able to offer a nice package to a team shopping an established player in the future. In Jah’s case, as long as his PPG is at a nice level with a solid FG% there will be teams out there who highly value that. Two teams think Enes Kanter is worth $70M dollars!

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Yeah the thing about for next year were for some of the fans that thought the Jad addition would be perfect with Nerlens

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Yeah the thing about for next year were for some of the fans that thought the Jad addition would be perfect with Nerlens

[ChewyParticipant]

 judge young big men. Big guys take a lot longer to develop than wings and guards. Remember Hassan Whiteside was once considered a possible #1 pick at a time, then was drafted, then had to leave the NBA, then he came back and contributed.

Does Okafor have the holes in his game that you meantioned, yes. But it isnt reasonable to expect those holes to be fixed in one or two years in the league. The fact that he already has an NBA skill to hang his hat on, plus his size makes him easily worth it and worth being excited for.

I never judge a big until year 4.

 

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 judge young big men. Big guys take a lot longer to develop than wings and guards. Remember Hassan Whiteside was once considered a possible #1 pick at a time, then was drafted, then had to leave the NBA, then he came back and contributed.

Does Okafor have the holes in his game that you meantioned, yes. But it isnt reasonable to expect those holes to be fixed in one or two years in the league. The fact that he already has an NBA skill to hang his hat on, plus his size makes him easily worth it and worth being excited for.

I never judge a big until year 4.

 

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

Jahlil has better footwork than most big men in the league right now, his hands are huge and he’s very cerebral as a center.. He’s a much better passer than people realize, Jahlil is a pretty safe prospect he has a huge frame and will get better at using it as he gets older and develops a more mature frame.. He’s a high character guy and loves the game. He’s going to be a very solid center, he has a lot more potential than Al Jefferson.. I personally think he’s going to be a top 3 center in 5 years

[Robb_CParticipant]

Jahlil has better footwork than most big men in the league right now, his hands are huge and he’s very cerebral as a center.. He’s a much better passer than people realize, Jahlil is a pretty safe prospect he has a huge frame and will get better at using it as he gets older and develops a more mature frame.. He’s a high character guy and loves the game. He’s going to be a very solid center, he has a lot more potential than Al Jefferson.. I personally think he’s going to be a top 3 center in 5 years

[tuck243Participant]

And people fail to realize Al was 22 when he first entered the league.  Jahlil is 19…  At legit 6-11 and long wingspan, I wouldn’t doubt this dude. 

[tuck243Participant]

And people fail to realize Al was 22 when he first entered the league.  Jahlil is 19…  At legit 6-11 and long wingspan, I wouldn’t doubt this dude. 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Al came in out of high school, was 18 or 19.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Al came in out of high school, was 18 or 19.

[tuck243Participant]

He was 20…  OUT OF HS… 

[tuck243Participant]

He was 20…  OUT OF HS… 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 so he was 21, but he did not come out of H.S. – almost no one did back then – He played two years at Georgetown under John Thompson… & then he was Drafted 

 He was All State in both Basketball & Football & in his Junior year, he led his High School team to State championsips in Both sports as the PG/SG of the B-ball team & as QB, CB & KR of the football team…

 One of the best pure athletes I’ve ever seen – It’s crazy to think that Only Shaq & Wilt attacked the rim more than Iverson, he’s 3rd all time in Free Throw attempts per game…

 He didn’t play his senior year b/c he was ridiculously railroaded after a brawl at a bowling alley broke out, Iverson – b/c he was locally famous was identified even though there was video of Iverson Leaving w/ friends as the brawl began…

 Although Iverson had No criminal record he was given a 5 year sentence – it was tthe 1st time in Virginia history that a minor was given a jail sentence for this type of sentence – in 100% of previous cases probation was given… Iverson actually spent a year in prison before the Governor commuted his sentence…

 He earned his Diploma (I’m not sure if he was home schooled or worked with the school district but he never played H.S. ball again so ghe was robbed of the chance to play his senior year… Plyed at Georgetown for two years & then declared. He was drafted by the 76ers #1 overall…

Sorry for all the info, I started typing & memories came flooding back…. As far as Okafor, b/c there is not many back to the basket legitimate Centers in the NBA, we forget how valuable they are… In general All rookies have strengths & weaknesses so we’ll just have to wait & see what he does – but even if all he can do is score consistently in the paint – that alone makes him very special & will open space for his teammates… We” see how it works out…. these guys are all so young…

 When A.I. was drafted almost no one came straight from high school… I remember Garnette came straight out in 95′ & he was drafted top 5 & then Kobe came right out in 96′ & he was Trying to drop but he should have been top 5 as well…

 Even though there are TONS of Draft busts – Scouts are very good at their jobs… If you look at the #1 option on Every NBA chanpion & ABA in history & Every NBA in History – these guys are ALL Lottery picks… Even the Only 3 MVP winners who were Not in the top 10 – Kobe, Karl Malone & Steve Nash – none fell below #15 & really ONLY Nash & Malone were surprises, clearly Kobe should have gone higher, but that’s it…

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 so he was 21, but he did not come out of H.S. – almost no one did back then – He played two years at Georgetown under John Thompson… & then he was Drafted 

 He was All State in both Basketball & Football & in his Junior year, he led his High School team to State championsips in Both sports as the PG/SG of the B-ball team & as QB, CB & KR of the football team…

 One of the best pure athletes I’ve ever seen – It’s crazy to think that Only Shaq & Wilt attacked the rim more than Iverson, he’s 3rd all time in Free Throw attempts per game…

 He didn’t play his senior year b/c he was ridiculously railroaded after a brawl at a bowling alley broke out, Iverson – b/c he was locally famous was identified even though there was video of Iverson Leaving w/ friends as the brawl began…

 Although Iverson had No criminal record he was given a 5 year sentence – it was tthe 1st time in Virginia history that a minor was given a jail sentence for this type of sentence – in 100% of previous cases probation was given… Iverson actually spent a year in prison before the Governor commuted his sentence…

 He earned his Diploma (I’m not sure if he was home schooled or worked with the school district but he never played H.S. ball again so ghe was robbed of the chance to play his senior year… Plyed at Georgetown for two years & then declared. He was drafted by the 76ers #1 overall…

Sorry for all the info, I started typing & memories came flooding back…. As far as Okafor, b/c there is not many back to the basket legitimate Centers in the NBA, we forget how valuable they are… In general All rookies have strengths & weaknesses so we’ll just have to wait & see what he does – but even if all he can do is score consistently in the paint – that alone makes him very special & will open space for his teammates… We” see how it works out…. these guys are all so young…

 When A.I. was drafted almost no one came straight from high school… I remember Garnette came straight out in 95′ & he was drafted top 5 & then Kobe came right out in 96′ & he was Trying to drop but he should have been top 5 as well…

 Even though there are TONS of Draft busts – Scouts are very good at their jobs… If you look at the #1 option on Every NBA chanpion & ABA in history & Every NBA in History – these guys are ALL Lottery picks… Even the Only 3 MVP winners who were Not in the top 10 – Kobe, Karl Malone & Steve Nash – none fell below #15 & really ONLY Nash & Malone were surprises, clearly Kobe should have gone higher, but that’s it…

 

[cobi15Participant]

Al  came from high school so he couldn’t have been 22

[cobi15Participant]

Al  came from high school so he couldn’t have been 22

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Hes going to be fine look at kanter numbers , then give Jah about 4 more ppg and 2 more reb . which is very very solid

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Hes going to be fine look at kanter numbers , then give Jah about 4 more ppg and 2 more reb . which is very very solid

[sitlbitoParticipant]

 That’s the problem though,he’ll post stats but will he help his team win? Kanter,Vucevic,Pekovic,Cousins…..The scoring centers don’t bring you anything if they aren’t solid defenders(Cousins now is a good defender but still). To back another post,I don’t see a player today similar to Okafor who succeeds team-wise.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

 That’s the problem though,he’ll post stats but will he help his team win? Kanter,Vucevic,Pekovic,Cousins…..The scoring centers don’t bring you anything if they aren’t solid defenders(Cousins now is a good defender but still). To back another post,I don’t see a player today similar to Okafor who succeeds team-wise.

[CobraParticipant]

 That’s my worry as well. He’ll put up offensive numbers but he needs to really improve on D to make it count.

[CobraParticipant]

 That’s my worry as well. He’ll put up offensive numbers but he needs to really improve on D to make it count.

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 His stats say’s totally different story. He’s not just a back to the basket player, he was great in the PnR in college. People based all their judgement off of stereotypes of players or based off there NBA comparison. Jahlil Okafor, I believe had a completion percentage over 95% in the PnR, that’s pretty great for a player that only can play in the post. 

Also, people based their judgement off of the summer league. I bet most people that say’s he’s an overrated passer is the same people that say’s D’Angelo Russell will be a bust because he didn’t dominate there. The fact that he looked hesitant in the post when he had the oppotunity(maybe) to pass the ball is the chemistry with the players are not there. He don’t know when a player will cut, how the player want the ball, and who will be able to make a shot. The thing is if you only watch Jahlil Okafor in the summer league that will be your judgement on him because he was great at finding cutters and three point shooters at Duke.

You can always get in better shape and don’t have to be the most athletic player to be a good defender in the league  (ask Marc Gasol). And if base all your judgement off of summer league then you would know that Jahlil Okafor was great in PnR defense, LOL. Iin comparison, Karl-Anthony Towns was not impressive in PnR coverage in the summer league.

 And of cource you have this judgement because you are Kentucky fan.

 

  

 

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 His stats say’s totally different story. He’s not just a back to the basket player, he was great in the PnR in college. People based all their judgement off of stereotypes of players or based off there NBA comparison. Jahlil Okafor, I believe had a completion percentage over 95% in the PnR, that’s pretty great for a player that only can play in the post. 

Also, people based their judgement off of the summer league. I bet most people that say’s he’s an overrated passer is the same people that say’s D’Angelo Russell will be a bust because he didn’t dominate there. The fact that he looked hesitant in the post when he had the oppotunity(maybe) to pass the ball is the chemistry with the players are not there. He don’t know when a player will cut, how the player want the ball, and who will be able to make a shot. The thing is if you only watch Jahlil Okafor in the summer league that will be your judgement on him because he was great at finding cutters and three point shooters at Duke.

You can always get in better shape and don’t have to be the most athletic player to be a good defender in the league  (ask Marc Gasol). And if base all your judgement off of summer league then you would know that Jahlil Okafor was great in PnR defense, LOL. Iin comparison, Karl-Anthony Towns was not impressive in PnR coverage in the summer league.

 And of cource you have this judgement because you are Kentucky fan.

 

  

 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 ? I just said don’t give me summer league stuff and then you claim I’m basing stuff off of SL? I said nothing about Towns either, idk about him either. I bet money though if both are healthy, in 5 years Skal will be better than Jahlil.

Please, enlighten me, what NBA big other than Al Jefferson, can’t shoot free throws, can’t protect the rim and is a great? If I see jahlil who is more like 6’10 by the rim and I’m a perimeter player, I’m attacking him every single time. Also he’s going to have a rude awakening when he can’t out muscle these other NBA bigs (look at Jarnell stokes). By the way Marc Gasol is 7’1, he’s a big boy, with a very complete big man’s game, so don’t compare

Now I know why you based your judgement, cause all Chicago guys ride or die for all their guys that come out of chi-town. 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 ? I just said don’t give me summer league stuff and then you claim I’m basing stuff off of SL? I said nothing about Towns either, idk about him either. I bet money though if both are healthy, in 5 years Skal will be better than Jahlil.

Please, enlighten me, what NBA big other than Al Jefferson, can’t shoot free throws, can’t protect the rim and is a great? If I see jahlil who is more like 6’10 by the rim and I’m a perimeter player, I’m attacking him every single time. Also he’s going to have a rude awakening when he can’t out muscle these other NBA bigs (look at Jarnell stokes). By the way Marc Gasol is 7’1, he’s a big boy, with a very complete big man’s game, so don’t compare

Now I know why you based your judgement, cause all Chicago guys ride or die for all their guys that come out of chi-town. 

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 LOL. You said "Now I know why you based your judgement, cause all Chicago guys ride or die for all their guys that come out of chi-town". I stat all facts and logic. 

It’s hilarious when you mention Jarnell Stokes and that he "can’t outmuscle guys". Jarnell Stokes is a 6’8" power forward w/ an 7’1.25" wingspan. Jahlil Okafor is 6’11" (maybe even 7′) with an 7’5" wingspan. And his game is not all around "out-muscling" opponents. Jahlil Okafor is known and displayed probably the best footwork coming from a player his age in decades, He have various amounts of post moves and counter post moves.

The Marc Gasol statement is pretty hilarious because the same people that knock that Jahlil Okafor can "never improve his defense" are the ones that said the same thing about Marc Gasol. Look at what the analyst said about his defense when coming to the NBA, here’s the link (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Marc-Gasol-155/). And I wasn’t comparing Jahlil and Marc game, I was comparing how ridiculous your claims were that he can never be respectable on defense when the same things was said about Marc Gasol. Jahlil Okafor can always learn how to protect the paint and play defense due to his measurements.

  

 

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 LOL. You said "Now I know why you based your judgement, cause all Chicago guys ride or die for all their guys that come out of chi-town". I stat all facts and logic. 

It’s hilarious when you mention Jarnell Stokes and that he "can’t outmuscle guys". Jarnell Stokes is a 6’8" power forward w/ an 7’1.25" wingspan. Jahlil Okafor is 6’11" (maybe even 7′) with an 7’5" wingspan. And his game is not all around "out-muscling" opponents. Jahlil Okafor is known and displayed probably the best footwork coming from a player his age in decades, He have various amounts of post moves and counter post moves.

The Marc Gasol statement is pretty hilarious because the same people that knock that Jahlil Okafor can "never improve his defense" are the ones that said the same thing about Marc Gasol. Look at what the analyst said about his defense when coming to the NBA, here’s the link (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Marc-Gasol-155/). And I wasn’t comparing Jahlil and Marc game, I was comparing how ridiculous your claims were that he can never be respectable on defense when the same things was said about Marc Gasol. Jahlil Okafor can always learn how to protect the paint and play defense due to his measurements.

  

 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 What do you mean facts and logic, your whole post was about how I judged him off SL which I didn’t at all. 

Idk what you have been watching but if jah isn’t catching from the post he’s putting his shoulder from the free throw line and pushing around players to get to the post. That’s not something you can hope that is going to happen to grown men on the next level.

No one knew anything about Marc Gasol, he didn’t play college ball you can’t compare the prospects. It’s funny how Jah didn’t play any D in college, or high school for that matter, you Chicago guys will completely void that like the plague and "say he can get…" Man if I get in shape I can be a NBA player, if you gave me a million dollars, I would be a millionaire, this idea that people think he is going to work on stuff he was awful at in college and still you guys expect him to be elite in the NBA is beyond homaring. Measurements? His trifflin hair making him go from 6’9/6’10 to 6’11. And what was reported makes it seem like him and robert Upshaw have the same length, which is beyond hilarious. I’ve seen both, if okafor is 6’11 with 7’6 wingspan, Upshaw actually should be 7’2 with a 7’11 wingspan. 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 What do you mean facts and logic, your whole post was about how I judged him off SL which I didn’t at all. 

Idk what you have been watching but if jah isn’t catching from the post he’s putting his shoulder from the free throw line and pushing around players to get to the post. That’s not something you can hope that is going to happen to grown men on the next level.

No one knew anything about Marc Gasol, he didn’t play college ball you can’t compare the prospects. It’s funny how Jah didn’t play any D in college, or high school for that matter, you Chicago guys will completely void that like the plague and "say he can get…" Man if I get in shape I can be a NBA player, if you gave me a million dollars, I would be a millionaire, this idea that people think he is going to work on stuff he was awful at in college and still you guys expect him to be elite in the NBA is beyond homaring. Measurements? His trifflin hair making him go from 6’9/6’10 to 6’11. And what was reported makes it seem like him and robert Upshaw have the same length, which is beyond hilarious. I’ve seen both, if okafor is 6’11 with 7’6 wingspan, Upshaw actually should be 7’2 with a 7’11 wingspan. 

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

Do you even watch Jah’s games man?? Jah’s far from the player who "puts his shoulder from the free throw line and pushing around players o get to the post" Jah’s has the one best the best arsenal of moves for a big man.

Where in th NBA can you see a center beat his defender with a crossover and counter spin-move. Where in the NBA you see a 6’11 270 pund man size up his defender and break him down with dribble moves and fakes? Only Cuz can do it in the NBA. Don’t make a biased opinion of a player you only watched so little of. 

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

Do you even watch Jah’s games man?? Jah’s far from the player who "puts his shoulder from the free throw line and pushing around players o get to the post" Jah’s has the one best the best arsenal of moves for a big man.

Where in th NBA can you see a center beat his defender with a crossover and counter spin-move. Where in the NBA you see a 6’11 270 pund man size up his defender and break him down with dribble moves and fakes? Only Cuz can do it in the NBA. Don’t make a biased opinion of a player you only watched so little of. 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

I can guarantee you I have watched more Okafor than you have and know more about Okafor’s personal life than you. So instead of guys making ridiculous claims that I don’t watch this guy or I base his games off of SL face the fact I have valid reasons to be concern about: his moves working in the NBA against NBA athletic centers, he’s going to get exposed on defense for the rest of his career, not having a jumpshot doesn’t help him, and the dude measurements are off. I get it, he was a great college player, but so was michael Beasley, Thabeet, Sullinger. You can say the same thing about how many people can also pull-up like Jimmer In the NBA, or be a versatile defender like Kidd-Gilchrist, more to basketball than just low post scoring. So how about you guys stop watching the highlights, maybe go watch a game.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

I can guarantee you I have watched more Okafor than you have and know more about Okafor’s personal life than you. So instead of guys making ridiculous claims that I don’t watch this guy or I base his games off of SL face the fact I have valid reasons to be concern about: his moves working in the NBA against NBA athletic centers, he’s going to get exposed on defense for the rest of his career, not having a jumpshot doesn’t help him, and the dude measurements are off. I get it, he was a great college player, but so was michael Beasley, Thabeet, Sullinger. You can say the same thing about how many people can also pull-up like Jimmer In the NBA, or be a versatile defender like Kidd-Gilchrist, more to basketball than just low post scoring. So how about you guys stop watching the highlights, maybe go watch a game.

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

I knew you would respond this way. Well okay the, say you have really watched a lot Jah’s games, why say he won’t be effective when not in the post? Have we been watching the same games?? lol. He’s not the guy who catches the ball in the free thrwo line and just ‘pushes around people to get to the cup’. This guy has moves and counter-moves for days. If you don’t see an effective high post player in Jah, then I don’t know what you have been watching lol. He’s not like McGee or Dwight where they only rely on strength. This guy has agility. He can cross you over, spin around you and he feels the defense well. His jumper is not broken, and will only get better. I can’t wait to refer to this thread again when Jah does well in his rookie season. Say all you want about knowing him personally, maybe you’re to blinded in your opinion to actually see his other strengths.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Because he hasn’t proven he can do that stuff against an athletic NBA center… Idk why that’s so hard for you to understand. Oh hell no, talk to me when he can be a good piece on a good team, everyone and their moms gets stat padding on the sixers. The only person who is blinded is you thinking this guy is the next Hakeem Olajuwon. I would be happy to wager on who will have the better career in 5 years between Okafor and Skal. 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Because he hasn’t proven he can do that stuff against an athletic NBA center… Idk why that’s so hard for you to understand. Oh hell no, talk to me when he can be a good piece on a good team, everyone and their moms gets stat padding on the sixers. The only person who is blinded is you thinking this guy is the next Hakeem Olajuwon. I would be happy to wager on who will have the better career in 5 years between Okafor and Skal. 

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

I knew you would respond this way. Well okay the, say you have really watched a lot Jah’s games, why say he won’t be effective when not in the post? Have we been watching the same games?? lol. He’s not the guy who catches the ball in the free thrwo line and just ‘pushes around people to get to the cup’. This guy has moves and counter-moves for days. If you don’t see an effective high post player in Jah, then I don’t know what you have been watching lol. He’s not like McGee or Dwight where they only rely on strength. This guy has agility. He can cross you over, spin around you and he feels the defense well. His jumper is not broken, and will only get better. I can’t wait to refer to this thread again when Jah does well in his rookie season. Say all you want about knowing him personally, maybe you’re to blinded in your opinion to actually see his other strengths.

[ncballer]

I think Jah is a safe pick.  The guy is almost a sure fire upper echelon center in the league.  I do think there are some valid areas of concern that I believe will make his transition a bit rockier than expected.  I think he will average around 13 and 7 his rookie season.  While he has a great post game,  Jakob Poetl, Bachinski, Karnowski and even Joel James made life hard for Jah because they could match up with his size and strength.  When guys like Drummond, Jordan, Gasol, Jeffersen etc that can match up with his size will make the transition a bit rocky.  As he adjusts though he will be fine.  He is a really safe pick and this is coming from a UNC homer.

[ncballer]

I think Jah is a safe pick.  The guy is almost a sure fire upper echelon center in the league.  I do think there are some valid areas of concern that I believe will make his transition a bit rockier than expected.  I think he will average around 13 and 7 his rookie season.  While he has a great post game,  Jakob Poetl, Bachinski, Karnowski and even Joel James made life hard for Jah because they could match up with his size and strength.  When guys like Drummond, Jordan, Gasol, Jeffersen etc that can match up with his size will make the transition a bit rocky.  As he adjusts though he will be fine.  He is a really safe pick and this is coming from a UNC homer.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Yes. He can work on the other areas. I would have taken him 1st. He will get more shots blocked than he was use to early but will still get 15 and 8. He will develop in those other areas.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 We’ll see, I see a lot of eddy curry in him. 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 We’ll see, I see a lot of eddy curry in him. 

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Yes. He can work on the other areas. I would have taken him 1st. He will get more shots blocked than he was use to early but will still get 15 and 8. He will develop in those other areas.

[HitsterParticipant]

 There has been a lot written about Okafor being a one dimensional post type player very much like Al Jefferson has developed into. If Okafor turned out to have to sort of career Jefferson is having then that would be fairly successful IMO. You’d need to surround Okafor with the right team mates and he may not be a franchise changing big like Anthony Davis is but he’ll give you regular solid scoring and be a good team mate.

With Okafor’s size and strength he should be a better defender by using his size alone, hopefully Philly can refine this part of his game. I’d be interested to know if Coach K managed to improve his defence last season for if he couldn’t then I doubt anyone can.

As regards FT, I’d hope someone would tell Okafor just practicev them as often as you can and you should improve if you work on them hard enough. It’s not like him trying to develop moves he may not use, every player will go to the line on occasions.

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 There has been a lot written about Okafor being a one dimensional post type player very much like Al Jefferson has developed into. If Okafor turned out to have to sort of career Jefferson is having then that would be fairly successful IMO. You’d need to surround Okafor with the right team mates and he may not be a franchise changing big like Anthony Davis is but he’ll give you regular solid scoring and be a good team mate.

With Okafor’s size and strength he should be a better defender by using his size alone, hopefully Philly can refine this part of his game. I’d be interested to know if Coach K managed to improve his defence last season for if he couldn’t then I doubt anyone can.

As regards FT, I’d hope someone would tell Okafor just practicev them as often as you can and you should improve if you work on them hard enough. It’s not like him trying to develop moves he may not use, every player will go to the line on occasions.

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 There has been a lot written about Okafor being a one dimensional post type player very much like Al Jefferson has developed into. If Okafor turned out to have to sort of career Jefferson is having then that would be fairly successful IMO. You’d need to surround Okafor with the right team mates and he may not be a franchise changing big like Anthony Davis is but he’ll give you regular solid scoring and be a good team mate.

With Okafor’s size and strength he should be a better defender by using his size alone, hopefully Philly can refine this part of his game. I’d be interested to know if Coach K managed to improve his defence last season for if he couldn’t then I doubt anyone can.

As regards FT, I’d hope someone would tell Okafor just practicev them as often as you can and you should improve if you work on them hard enough. It’s not like him trying to develop moves he may not use, every player will go to the line on occasions.

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 There has been a lot written about Okafor being a one dimensional post type player very much like Al Jefferson has developed into. If Okafor turned out to have to sort of career Jefferson is having then that would be fairly successful IMO. You’d need to surround Okafor with the right team mates and he may not be a franchise changing big like Anthony Davis is but he’ll give you regular solid scoring and be a good team mate.

With Okafor’s size and strength he should be a better defender by using his size alone, hopefully Philly can refine this part of his game. I’d be interested to know if Coach K managed to improve his defence last season for if he couldn’t then I doubt anyone can.

As regards FT, I’d hope someone would tell Okafor just practicev them as often as you can and you should improve if you work on them hard enough. It’s not like him trying to develop moves he may not use, every player will go to the line on occasions.

 

 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 The back to the basket game is very rare in the NBA now.  6’10’ and 6’11’ guys want to play on the perimeter and shoot threes.  Jahlil is a true back to the basket lowplost guy.  I’ll go so far as to say he might not ever attempt anymore than a couple threes in his career.  I’ve said this many times about Jahlil and I’ll say it again, he will be a good center in the league for years to come and maybe make a couple all stars games.  A superstar and all-nba player I believe he will never be. 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 I respectively see your point. He’ll be like an Al Jeffersom don’t you think?

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 I respectively see your point. He’ll be like an Al Jeffersom don’t you think?

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 The back to the basket game is very rare in the NBA now.  6’10’ and 6’11’ guys want to play on the perimeter and shoot threes.  Jahlil is a true back to the basket lowplost guy.  I’ll go so far as to say he might not ever attempt anymore than a couple threes in his career.  I’ve said this many times about Jahlil and I’ll say it again, he will be a good center in the league for years to come and maybe make a couple all stars games.  A superstar and all-nba player I believe he will never be. 

[IlladelphParticipant]

 Pros:  Good post moves, maturity, IQ.

Cons:  Defense, no mid-range or long-range game, putrid FT shooter.

Takeaway:  Will likely develop in a few years into a solid starting NBA center who may also develop into a great leader, and stabilizing force for a team.  If I was an NBA owner I would love to have him in the locker room knowing he would contribute to postive chemistry.  BUT, I would also trade him if he did not improve his defense and FT shooting.  A big man has to be able to make FTs, or he will get hacked into oblivion and wind up on the bench late in close games.  The only moder era center who could miss a lot of FTs and still help win games was Shaq Diesel because he could absolutely dominate the post and alter shots, and grind for boards.  I dont see JO becoming a diesel-like center, so he needs to make the FTs…

[IlladelphParticipant]

 Pros:  Good post moves, maturity, IQ.

Cons:  Defense, no mid-range or long-range game, putrid FT shooter.

Takeaway:  Will likely develop in a few years into a solid starting NBA center who may also develop into a great leader, and stabilizing force for a team.  If I was an NBA owner I would love to have him in the locker room knowing he would contribute to postive chemistry.  BUT, I would also trade him if he did not improve his defense and FT shooting.  A big man has to be able to make FTs, or he will get hacked into oblivion and wind up on the bench late in close games.  The only moder era center who could miss a lot of FTs and still help win games was Shaq Diesel because he could absolutely dominate the post and alter shots, and grind for boards.  I dont see JO becoming a diesel-like center, so he needs to make the FTs…

[HitsterParticipant]

 The Al Jefferson comparison seems to be by far the best I’ve seen for Jahlil Okafor. Jahlil should make his NBA debut at virtually the same age as Big Al was when he made his.

Jahlil is a much more hyped prospect than Big Al was at a similar stage so I take Big Al as a good mid level comparison for Jahlil. I’m still not totally convinced that Okafor will be a legit superstar but I could see him having a slightly better statistical career than Big Al has had so far and could see him making a couple of All Star games. That’s taking nothing away from Big Al although it took him years to be on a team which got above .500, I’ve never heard any bad words about his character and he has made the most of his skillset. Nearly 13,000 points at 17ppg and also averaging 9rpg is a very good career return and he is probably the most consitent performer playing in the NBA who hasn’t made an All Star game.

I was thinking of what sort of career comparison I could see Jahlil having and the best one I could think of someone like Elton Brand. I know their skillset’s aren’t really similar and that Elton has a lower career ppg average than Al Jefferson but that is due to him being a bench guy as he reached veteran status. Elton at the Clippers was a 20/10 player and made a couple of All Star games so that is the sort of level I could see as a possible upside for Okafor.

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 The Al Jefferson comparison seems to be by far the best I’ve seen for Jahlil Okafor. Jahlil should make his NBA debut at virtually the same age as Big Al was when he made his.

Jahlil is a much more hyped prospect than Big Al was at a similar stage so I take Big Al as a good mid level comparison for Jahlil. I’m still not totally convinced that Okafor will be a legit superstar but I could see him having a slightly better statistical career than Big Al has had so far and could see him making a couple of All Star games. That’s taking nothing away from Big Al although it took him years to be on a team which got above .500, I’ve never heard any bad words about his character and he has made the most of his skillset. Nearly 13,000 points at 17ppg and also averaging 9rpg is a very good career return and he is probably the most consitent performer playing in the NBA who hasn’t made an All Star game.

I was thinking of what sort of career comparison I could see Jahlil having and the best one I could think of someone like Elton Brand. I know their skillset’s aren’t really similar and that Elton has a lower career ppg average than Al Jefferson but that is due to him being a bench guy as he reached veteran status. Elton at the Clippers was a 20/10 player and made a couple of All Star games so that is the sort of level I could see as a possible upside for Okafor.

 

 

[kdtriv01Participant]

 not to say you all aren’t dealing in facts, but rather dealing in the numbers that suit your purpose the best.  

One poster made the assine statement that he will be something like 2ppg and 2 rb per game better than Kanter.  That’s a no.  maybe in the points department, but Jah isn’t a rebounding machine and might do as well but certainly not better. 

Okafur is beast in the paint.  I think he’ll do fine in his first few games, but what happens when he’s being guarded by big men.  At Duke he struggled scoring against length.  the NBA is full of "length."  I do think he and Noel are a nice compliment to one another.  In the same mode, not saying as good, as Cuz and Cauley-Stein.  

Jah’s biggest issue will continue to be his FT shooting.  He doesn’t have the athleticism of Deandre Jordan and as a result can’t make up for it on the Defensive end of the floor.  He would be a huge gamble to have out on the floor at the end of a game.  

He might get to big Al’s level, but he’ll never reach Cuz’s until he can shoot a 15ft set shot with no one guarding him.  

He’ll be better than Eddie Curry because his heads on straight.  He’ll be a good starter center in the league for many years, but will never reach the level of some of his contemporaries.  

Just my 2 cents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 I like that you said he struggled against big players. The Duke-Utah is what came to my mind. He scored 6 points on Jakob Poeltl. I like Okafor and I want to see him succeed but he’s gonna really have to learn to score against guys like Dwight, Rudy, and Cousins if he wants to see success in the NBA.

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 I like that you said he struggled against big players. The Duke-Utah is what came to my mind. He scored 6 points on Jakob Poeltl. I like Okafor and I want to see him succeed but he’s gonna really have to learn to score against guys like Dwight, Rudy, and Cousins if he wants to see success in the NBA.

[kdtriv01Participant]

 not to say you all aren’t dealing in facts, but rather dealing in the numbers that suit your purpose the best.  

One poster made the assine statement that he will be something like 2ppg and 2 rb per game better than Kanter.  That’s a no.  maybe in the points department, but Jah isn’t a rebounding machine and might do as well but certainly not better. 

Okafur is beast in the paint.  I think he’ll do fine in his first few games, but what happens when he’s being guarded by big men.  At Duke he struggled scoring against length.  the NBA is full of "length."  I do think he and Noel are a nice compliment to one another.  In the same mode, not saying as good, as Cuz and Cauley-Stein.  

Jah’s biggest issue will continue to be his FT shooting.  He doesn’t have the athleticism of Deandre Jordan and as a result can’t make up for it on the Defensive end of the floor.  He would be a huge gamble to have out on the floor at the end of a game.  

He might get to big Al’s level, but he’ll never reach Cuz’s until he can shoot a 15ft set shot with no one guarding him.  

He’ll be better than Eddie Curry because his heads on straight.  He’ll be a good starter center in the league for many years, but will never reach the level of some of his contemporaries.  

Just my 2 cents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 now affecting the prospects they Draft… this kid is a Stud – personally I don’t care about the Sixers other than the fact that a team in Only their 2nd year of a Rebuild has been the target of National Media "Hit Pieces…" Okafor is an absolute Stud & what we – the public – must remember is that the analysts we listen to are picking & choosing what points to focus on… What I mean by this is that EVERY 19 y/o has parts of his game that he needs to work – remember Kobe averaged 7 points per game his Rookie year – SEVEN… 

B/c Okafor was drafted by Phila the shortcomings of his game have now been amphasized rather than his extraordinary skill set… I’ll give you an example – Jeff Goodman, very respected analyst for Draft talent was a guest on "First Take" before the Draft when Everyone figured the Draft would follow what Every scout in the World had said which was that Towns & Okafor were MILES ahead of the other prospects… One of the hosts asked Goodman what he thought of the rumors that the Lakers may pass on Okafor & take Russell at #2. Remember at that point Everyone was saying that Russell was going to Phila at #3. Here is how Goodman responded to that question when he Still assumed Okafor was going to L.A. & Russell was going to Philadelphia (I used CAPS for emphasis is his speech not mine):

"But why would the Lakers do that? It just does not make sense. Even the MOST optimistic scouting evaluations of Russell by ‘REAL’ experts put Russell’s Ceiling at a nice player at PG. He’s not a guy who can Ever be a Star player. at best, you have a solid starter which is still a good, solid pick but No Way do you take Russell above Okafor. Okafor is a 20 & 10 guy the Minute he puts on a uniform. He’ll draw a Double team the minute he puts a uniform on. He can pass out of the double team; from 15 feet & in his post game from Either elbow & with Either hand is the Most advanced we have seen in 20 years for that age – maybe EVER! Okafor is a Lock as a perenial All Star in this League. He is 6’11” 275 w/ Enormous lower body strength. He establishes position SO deep that teams will be forced to double & Even Triple team him b/c he’s SO strong – Right Now! – that he’s going to set up shop almost under the basket. And on defense, people focus on the fact that he doesn;t block shots, but he mostly Never has to b/c he is SO strong, the opposing Center can’t establish position Anywhere near the basket. He completely nullifies Most opposing centers b/c they have to set up 18 feet from the basket. I’m not knocking Russell, he’s a solid prospect but NO ONE thinks he’s in a Steph Curry or Russell Westbrook mode… & neihther Russell nor any other prospect is in Towns or Okafor’s league & remember there are still GM’s including Flip Saunders who holds the #1 pick in Minnesota who believe that Okafor & not Towns is Still the #1 pick. He may not have the versatility of Towns but what he does do can NOT be stopped & he’s ONLY 19!" 

Goodman’s thoughts were in No way surprising. I’m a draft-nick & I follow this stuff all year round & No One thought Any prospect was in that Top 2 of Towns & Okafor… But as soon as Phila grabbed Okafor you could see the talking heads struggling to criticize Okafor b/c they had Raved about him for 2 consecutive years… I have been reading about Okafor since you he was 16, Russell was not even thought to be a Top 60 prospect at this time last year which means he was not going to be drafted. Remember I’m not commenting on any belief I may or may not have on EITHER player, I’m just relaying the facts concerning each player over the last 24 months… Put it in this perspective. I was reading about Okafor his Junio year in High School 3 years ago – Sam Hinkie had NOT even been hired yet & the Sixers were still hoping Andrew Bynum would return for the playoffs in spring 2013 & Many experts though tPhila could do some real damage… So after listening to scouts & talent experts Rave about Okafor’s game & how he was going to be Tim Duncan 2.0 it’s sort of ridiculous to now hear those same people tearing him down. It forces me to ask myself "What’s Different?"

 

 

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 now affecting the prospects they Draft… this kid is a Stud – personally I don’t care about the Sixers other than the fact that a team in Only their 2nd year of a Rebuild has been the target of National Media "Hit Pieces…" Okafor is an absolute Stud & what we – the public – must remember is that the analysts we listen to are picking & choosing what points to focus on… What I mean by this is that EVERY 19 y/o has parts of his game that he needs to work – remember Kobe averaged 7 points per game his Rookie year – SEVEN… 

B/c Okafor was drafted by Phila the shortcomings of his game have now been amphasized rather than his extraordinary skill set… I’ll give you an example – Jeff Goodman, very respected analyst for Draft talent was a guest on "First Take" before the Draft when Everyone figured the Draft would follow what Every scout in the World had said which was that Towns & Okafor were MILES ahead of the other prospects… One of the hosts asked Goodman what he thought of the rumors that the Lakers may pass on Okafor & take Russell at #2. Remember at that point Everyone was saying that Russell was going to Phila at #3. Here is how Goodman responded to that question when he Still assumed Okafor was going to L.A. & Russell was going to Philadelphia (I used CAPS for emphasis is his speech not mine):

"But why would the Lakers do that? It just does not make sense. Even the MOST optimistic scouting evaluations of Russell by ‘REAL’ experts put Russell’s Ceiling at a nice player at PG. He’s not a guy who can Ever be a Star player. at best, you have a solid starter which is still a good, solid pick but No Way do you take Russell above Okafor. Okafor is a 20 & 10 guy the Minute he puts on a uniform. He’ll draw a Double team the minute he puts a uniform on. He can pass out of the double team; from 15 feet & in his post game from Either elbow & with Either hand is the Most advanced we have seen in 20 years for that age – maybe EVER! Okafor is a Lock as a perenial All Star in this League. He is 6’11” 275 w/ Enormous lower body strength. He establishes position SO deep that teams will be forced to double & Even Triple team him b/c he’s SO strong – Right Now! – that he’s going to set up shop almost under the basket. And on defense, people focus on the fact that he doesn;t block shots, but he mostly Never has to b/c he is SO strong, the opposing Center can’t establish position Anywhere near the basket. He completely nullifies Most opposing centers b/c they have to set up 18 feet from the basket. I’m not knocking Russell, he’s a solid prospect but NO ONE thinks he’s in a Steph Curry or Russell Westbrook mode… & neihther Russell nor any other prospect is in Towns or Okafor’s league & remember there are still GM’s including Flip Saunders who holds the #1 pick in Minnesota who believe that Okafor & not Towns is Still the #1 pick. He may not have the versatility of Towns but what he does do can NOT be stopped & he’s ONLY 19!" 

Goodman’s thoughts were in No way surprising. I’m a draft-nick & I follow this stuff all year round & No One thought Any prospect was in that Top 2 of Towns & Okafor… But as soon as Phila grabbed Okafor you could see the talking heads struggling to criticize Okafor b/c they had Raved about him for 2 consecutive years… I have been reading about Okafor since you he was 16, Russell was not even thought to be a Top 60 prospect at this time last year which means he was not going to be drafted. Remember I’m not commenting on any belief I may or may not have on EITHER player, I’m just relaying the facts concerning each player over the last 24 months… Put it in this perspective. I was reading about Okafor his Junio year in High School 3 years ago – Sam Hinkie had NOT even been hired yet & the Sixers were still hoping Andrew Bynum would return for the playoffs in spring 2013 & Many experts though tPhila could do some real damage… So after listening to scouts & talent experts Rave about Okafor’s game & how he was going to be Tim Duncan 2.0 it’s sort of ridiculous to now hear those same people tearing him down. It forces me to ask myself "What’s Different?"

 

 

 

[IlladelphParticipant]

 What’s different?  The game is different.  Teams aren’t building around a dominant big man anymore.  At least not all of them.  It’s the era of small ball.  This is a fairly recent paradigm shift.  Probably happened over the last 2-3 years.  Teams don’t grind it out in a half court and run a lot of set plays anymore.  It’s ISO, and transition offense which rules the day.

[IlladelphParticipant]

 What’s different?  The game is different.  Teams aren’t building around a dominant big man anymore.  At least not all of them.  It’s the era of small ball.  This is a fairly recent paradigm shift.  Probably happened over the last 2-3 years.  Teams don’t grind it out in a half court and run a lot of set plays anymore.  It’s ISO, and transition offense which rules the day.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Okafor is closer to Cousins then Jefferson in both size and athletic ability and potential.

 

People keep comparing him to Jeffersob never mention how Okafor got like 2 inches in height and like 4 inches in wingspan on Jefferson along with being a way way way better athlete.

 

Also the out of shape rumors are false the guy just ran a 5k with Kevin Hart and is in great shape right now plus had an incredible work ethic he was in the gym before Brett Brown in the summer

 

 

 

 

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Okafor is closer to Cousins then Jefferson in both size and athletic ability and potential.

 

People keep comparing him to Jeffersob never mention how Okafor got like 2 inches in height and like 4 inches in wingspan on Jefferson along with being a way way way better athlete.

 

Also the out of shape rumors are false the guy just ran a 5k with Kevin Hart and is in great shape right now plus had an incredible work ethic he was in the gym before Brett Brown in the summer

 

 

 

 

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Okafor is closer to Cousins then Jefferson in both size and athletic ability and potential.

 

People keep comparing him to Jeffersob never mention how Okafor got like 2 inches in height and like 4 inches in wingspan on Jefferson along with being a way way way better athlete.

 

Also the out of shape rumors are false the guy just ran a 5k with Kevin Hart and is in great shape right now plus had an incredible work ethic he was in the gym before Brett Brown in the summer

 

 

 

 

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Okafor is closer to Cousins then Jefferson in both size and athletic ability and potential.

 

People keep comparing him to Jeffersob never mention how Okafor got like 2 inches in height and like 4 inches in wingspan on Jefferson along with being a way way way better athlete.

 

Also the out of shape rumors are false the guy just ran a 5k with Kevin Hart and is in great shape right now plus had an incredible work ethic he was in the gym before Brett Brown in the summer

 

 

 

 

[Author]

Posts