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NBA: Post-Summer League Rookie Of The Year Standings

By Ezra Siegel

Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) shoots over the top of New York Knicks forward Alex Kirk (53) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) shoots over the top of New York Knicks forward Alex Kirk (53) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jahlil Okafor – Philadelphia 76ers

With Okafor’s NBA-ready blend of size, skill and feel for the game, there’s little doubt that he will be in the mix for the Rookie of the Year award.

Touted as one of the most polished big men to come out since Tim Duncan, Okafor is ready for prime time. He absolutely dominated as a freshman at Duke, averaging around 17 points and nine rebounds per game on 66 percent shooting en route to a National Championship, and he likely would have been the top selection in the NBA Draft without late momentum from D’angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns.

While Okafor showed a little rust, especially finishing over length, in Summer League action, the Sixers’ No. 3 overall selection also showed his elite post moves and feel for the game. He showed an innate ability to get open looks despite being draped with defenders and made the game easier for his teammates by drawing double-teams and finding open shooters.

After struggling a bit in Utah, Okafor came to life in Las Vegas while averaging 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and a block per game with just under 10 free throw attempts per game. His field goal percentage was down at 44 percent, but in all likelihood his superb touch at the rim will return in the midst of a full season.

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    • Like Mudiay, Okafor will also be benefitting from immediate playing time.

    With Joel Embiid out for another season, Okafor will start immediately and will likely be the focal point of head coach Brett Brown’s offense from day one. With better spacing and pre-designed plays, Okafor will have an even better opportunity to make an impact in the regular season.

    With big minutes early in his career, Okafor will be a double-double threat in his rookie year. While there will be a learning curve for him as he adjusts to NBA defenders, he should still be able to get his points as Philadelphia’s highest volume scorer next season.

    If Okafor can convert his paint looks at anywhere near the rate he displayed in college, he will be a no-brainer for the Rookie of the Year award.

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