Philadelphia 76ers: Talking Points From Preseason Opener Against Washington
By Jake Hyman
1. Jahlil Okafor’s Ever-Growing Offensive Repertoire
Don’t look now, but Jahlil Okafor has added the jump shot to an elaborate list of offensive post moves. He made four straight — a one-handed crow hop floater which was labeled as such — to start off the game and while this doesn’t label Okafor the next Dirk Nowitzki, it’s a substantial breakthrough.
According to DraftExpress on Okafor's strength profile, he only attempted five jump shots at Duke. He's made four so far in one game.
— Jake Hyman (@JakeHymanTTP) October 7, 2015
Finishing just 2-of-6 in his remaining shots in the game, Okafor mainly went up against arguably one of the most intimidating interior defenders in Marcin Gortat. In his first couple of summer league games, he looked hesitant on film and indecisive. Tuesday showed no indecisions in Okafor’s early and deliberate offensive onslaught.
The physicality he showed at Duke hasn’t showed to be as effective against bigger and stronger defenders in the Association, but finesse has been brought in as a supplement.
Not bad, rook.https://t.co/KrFDcRXkvS
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 7, 2015
It’s been a missing ingredient in the assortment of low-post sweetness Okafor displayed last season. He doesn’t have to disregard his niche as a back-to-the basket mismatch nightmare, but it’s promising to see Okafor shed a weakness almost a month away from the regular season.
Next: A More Negative Sighting