The Philadelphia 76ers are holding the third overall pick from the 2015 draft hostage. Jahlil Okafor is definitely a playable NBA player but he is unable to crack the 76ers’ rotation. Could the Brooklyn Nets be the team to free Jah?
When NBA players are openly backing a player who feels mistreated by his franchise, you know a team is displaying poor loyalty to its players. The Philadelphia 76ers are currently in that situation due to their treatment of Jahlil Okafor.
Devin Booker posted an Instagram photo with a t-shirt that read “Free Jah.” Okafor’s father wore a shirt that said that to the 76ers’ game against the Golden State Warriors last week.
The 76ers need to trade Okafor immediately. Whatever package they desire is probably not what they are going to get considering its depreciation of Okafor’s value from the lack of playing time he has received this season.
That much is clear. What is less clear is where he could end up.
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Considering this blog is called “Nothin’ But Nets” I am only going to consider the possibility of Okafor coming to Brooklyn’s scrappy but struggling squad.
Okafor’s talent is undeniable. He would be an immediate upgrade over Timofey Mozgov and Tyler Zeller, who have been underwhelming this season.
The question becomes what assets it would take to acquire the Duke product. Would the price be too much for a team that has done a good job developing several diamonds in the rough (Dinwiddie, Acy)?
The answer should be no. As mentioned, the asking price for Okafor has plummeted as the center has been dormant on the bench.
Outside of D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Spencer Dinwiddie, the Nets should be willing to part with anyone to acquire Okafor.
If the price for him is a second round pick and a veteran like Trevor Booker who could help the 76ers young bench as an veteran, the Nets should pull the trigger.
Okafor may realize his potential as an NBA player. He may have already peaked. Either way, taking a chance on a guy like him is the kind of chance a team in Brooklyn’s position should take.
If the price is right, Brooklyn should be the team to free Jah.