Jahlil Okafor is an unrestricted free agent this summer, but hasn’t exactly been a hot commodity among teams looking for frontcourt help — this is our first story about the former third overall pick since free agency began 17 days ago.
Still, Okafor appears to be generating at least a little interest. Sources tell Sean Deveney of The Sporting News that Okafor worked out for four teams in Las Vegas last Wednesday, and remains “hopeful” about signing an NBA contract before camps open in September.
It’s not clear which teams were in attendance at Okafor’s workout last week, but Deveney rules out a few clubs. According to the Sporting News scribe, Okafor had drawn some interest from the Pacers and Bulls earlier in the year, but neither team was at last week’s workout. The former Duke standout also won’t be returning to the Nets next season, Deveney adds.
Okafor, originally a Sixer, averaged 17.5 PPG and 7.0 RPG during his rookie season in 2015/16, but has seen his playing time and production decline since then. After being traded to Brooklyn this past season, he posted 6.4 PPG and 2.9 RPG in 26 contests (12.6 MPG) with the Nets.
As TNT’s David Aldridge details, Okafor has been working this summer with Miami-based trainer Idan Ravin, who has been “reconstructing” Okafor’s jump shot and looking to expand the 22-year-old’s offensive game. We’ll see if that work helps earn him another NBA shot this fall.
Cannot understand how this guy is still without a team, I know he is not great in defence or shoots 3’s, but man this guy can do you a job on the low post, is an absolute machine playing ball, his rookie numbers were sooo good, & still are even in Brooklyn per36 (which is a statistic that I don’t tend to like but anyway) 18-19PPG/8-9RPG, counting that he hardly played, I do find it remarkable, he is sooo good, a few years ago teams would have killed each other for him, instead they wanna pay 15-20MM/year for players like Capela, 24MM+ for DJ, that yeah they do you a defensive job, but man is painful to see them with the ball, they are without talent & very limited, this guy is got so much talent & potential, someone needs to give him a good & fair chance & he can be a beast for any team, he is that good.
He can’t play either side of the ball in transition, he can’t guard, can’t extend defences. His best hope is becoming something like Mo Buckets. Speights should be someone he emulates. Instead offence off the bench. Because he can’t do anything else
His efficiency was atrocious. He was a volume scorer for the sixers his rookie year. Just like with Michael Carter-Williams, it was all a mirage.
exactly .. I mean someone has to score points ..so he and MCW put up their points because well someone had to .. the FG % and etc were all well below average.. not saying he could not make himself into a player.
cesc no disrespect but the more I read your imput on multiple topics the more I think it’s been a couple years since you’ve paid much attention to the NBA.
He reminds me of a young Al Jefferson. I think cesc is trash talking.
If at all. It’s almost as if he’s from the NBA bizarro world where everything logical is reversed.
Cesc has a valid viewpoint oriented toward who & what provides nonpartisan viewer enjoyment. But I have a problem with the “beast” category and label. It may indicate an impressive player to watch, but also one that is hard to develop.
To say his defense isn’t very good is a major understatement. 10 years ago, his game had a lot of value. Today, next to none. I haven’t checked, but I bet his +- during the last few years is a major negative. He should ha e a footwork coach to improve D and hire Drew Hanlen.
Jah’s knock has been his lack of defense and subpar rebounding. You know what’s a great idea? Working out with a coach to improve on your jump shot and expand your offensive game. Seriously? How about you go visit Oz and see if the Wizard has an extra heart to spare. Granted his offensive style is throwback, there are still plenty of serviceable post up bigs playing in this league, the difference is there ability to protect the rim and get boards.
Just a poor, unwilling defender.
Who recalls Danny Ainge offering a boatload for him at the deadline three years ago?
Not I. Hinkie would have jumped all over that. What exactly was this package you’re referring to?
Apparently at the 2016 Deadline Colangelo backed out. Boston offered the Nets 2016 Pick which ended up at #3 and Jaylen Brown.
He needs to get in shape, play defense, and rebound. All 3 are based on effort and all have been lacking for the past few years. Total shame but all his own fault.
Warriors could use a big
Been injured the last 1.5 seasons. Been tossed in and out of the lineup. Mismanaged by a terrible GM. Shouldn’t have been picked at the time anyway, but that’s neither here nor there. He would be good on a team that did Triangle, Iso, half court offense. You all talk defense rebounds, lot of guys have gotten. by just fine with neither… Brook Lopez is a prime example.
He should be working on his explosiveness, and lateral quickness to try and improve defensively. It’s going to take more than improving his jumpshot to get a bigger look. He is a remedial Al Jefferson. Al Jefferson is in China…
At least Al Jefferson could rebound and gave effort on defense. He was amazing at Duke because he’d bully all the 6’9 centers in the ACC and nobody could guard him. He’s a good passer out of the post but I think teams shy away because of his lack of a jump shot and stand still defense. Somebody’s gotta be patient with him but nobody wants to be
I actually like Al Jefferson. I’m just saying that b/c people said this guy was Tim Duncan when he was at Duke, and obviously that isnt close to not being a complete joke, as it was back then.
Totally agree with Z-A, centers are for more than defence & rebounds, Lopez is a great example, what an amazing career 9 years to almost 20PPG, not great defender or rebounder, centers can be the main offensive weapon, you guys have to see beyond small ball, Okafor had a great billing coming to the league & he hasn’t gotten worst, just needs an opportunity with a team that wants to get the best of him to become a better team. That’s what a HC is for, maximize your stars strong points & hide its weaknesses, if they cannot, they are not good HC, as simple as.
Agreed.
Would be a good candidate for Spurs and playing under Pops
He’s signing with the knicks
Lol I could totally see them doing this
He has never been in shape. Doesn’t play hard….last guy back on defense…he jogs….never sprints. None of those attributes makes him a candidate for Pacers.