Seth Vigdor
It’s been one hell of a ride for Jahlil Okafor in his rookie season with the Sixers. He’s had a few run-ins with the law and with that has come talks of trading him, as was reportedly discussed right before the trade deadline. Okafor’s season has already come to a close due to an injury, but that doesn’t mean that he’s out of the news.
The wild card of the Sixers’ future has always been Joel Embiid, and whether he’ll get a chance to step on the court any time soon. He’s been dealing with a foot issue for two years now, but it appears that he will finally get on the court next year for the team. The question that has been lingering for some time now is what happens if and when Embiid eventually plays for this team? Between Embiid, Okafor and Nerlens Noel, will there be an odd man out?
To add fuel to the fire, Sixers reporter Keith Pompey wrote yesterday that if Embiid is deemed healthy enough, the Sixers may move Okafor.
Jahlil Okafor's uncertain future with the #Sixers https://t.co/hKeEMUCgNC via @phillysport
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) March 27, 2016
Here’s what Pompey had to say, via Philly.com:
The 20-year-old had season-ending arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. The injury ultimately cost the third overall pick the final 23 games of the season, considering he hasn’t played since Feb. 28. Before that, the struggles of Okafor and Nerlens Noel to co-exist as Twin Towers were well-documented. Both players are better suited to playing center. The problem for Okafor has been that the team is more successful with Noel at center. There was even a stretch when Okafor was often on the bench late in games. And that’s why the team had moved Okafor to power forward before his injury.
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Similar players, Okafor and Embiid are an unlikely pairing. They are both liabilities guarding athletic power forwards and chasing stretch fours on the perimeter. So the belief is that the Sixers may try to move Okafor this summer if Embiid is healthy. If he isn’t, they have to decide between Okafor and Noel.
Add to the equation the fact that it looks more and more like Dario Saric will be joining the team next year as well, it makes it all the more plausible that Okafor could be the odd man out. Whatever the case may be, we should have a better picture of where this team is heading next season.