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Philadelphia 76ers: Okafor-Russell Vegas Summer League Recap

By Jake Hyman

Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) is congratulated by teammates on the bench during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) is congratulated by teammates on the bench during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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While catastrophic news hit the 215 area and Philadelphia 76ers Saturday afternoon when the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported that Joel Embiid will likely miss the entirety of the upcoming season, the latter portion of the day brought hope to the organization.

After multiple assumptions and questions were brought up regarding the selection of Jahlil Okafor with the No. 3 pick, every one was answered after his dominating performance against the Los Angeles Lakers despite a 68-60 loss. Believed to be just a security blanket in case Embiid’s injuries persisted, he’s proved to be more than a fall back plan in just four Summer League games so far.

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He displayed footwork overmatching his counterparts in Robert Upshaw and Tarik Black while systematically clutching the ball with poise in many instances. This was the Jahlil Okafor fans were accustomed to during his brief career at Duke. En-route to 19 points, on 6-of-14 shooting from the field and 11 boards, his competence from the free throw line (7-for-12) exemplified the progress he’s made since joining the team.

He also denied his draft counterpart in D’Angelo Russell twice, with Russell struggling throughout the contest in his second game of a back-to-back.

The Ohio State product proved that his capable jump shooting prowess wasn’t an anomaly coming out of college, but his awareness, like Okafor’s, needs sharpening.

Finishing with 14 points (4-of-15 shooting) and just three assists, his meticulous style of play didn’t fare well as his seven turnovers led all players.

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His backcourt mate in Jordan Clarkson added a game-high 19 points while going 8-of-16 from the floor. His hesitation move on Jakarr Sampson garnered a positive reaction from the heavily-pro Lakers fan base in the arena.

Sampson’s play was equally porous on the offensive end. With a plus/minus of -30, Sampson’s constant probing and iso-heavy play resulted in just nine points on 3-of-16 shooting from the field. He did produce some highlight reel buckets, but getting fringe contributors like Askia Booker and Jamal Jones some burn would have been a more ideal route for coach Billy Lange.

While T.J. McConell, the starting point guard in the Utah Summer League, struggled from the initial whistle, Pierre Jackson spelled him admirably as the hometown kid put on a show in the second quarter.

Contributing eight consecutive points to give the Sixers an eight-point advantage through the second quarter, Jackson brought the lacking backcourt scoring punch. Finishing with 15 points while going 3-for-6 from deep, his play, along with Okafor’s, sparked Philadelphia’s comeback and allowed the Baylor product to see continuous play. After rupturing his Achilles last year in the Orlando Summer League, this was the performance Sixers fans and management were hoping for.

Jackson vs. McConnell is an intriguing storyline to look forward to as the Sixers host the Celtics tonight. Another is the frontcourt tandem of Arsalan Kazemi and Okafor.

Kazemi lays out often and throws his body to make plays. He’s a solid compliment to Okafor who’d rather not exert maximum energy in Summer League games. Kazemi played last year overseas and has role player potential as a garbage and hustle guy off the bench.

The turnover struggles continue to persist for Okafor, but his acclimation to the professional level will eventually nullify his court awareness and instincts. There were many evident positives, and some negatives, in the eight-point loss. Until the game’s count for something, progress is the primary goal for every organization. Including the Sixers.

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