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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Midseason Grades

By Nathan Grubel

Jan 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles against the defense of Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 114-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles against the defense of Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 114-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers

Is Okafor finally starting to figure things out?

He’s put up large point totals since the beginning of the season, but over his last five games he’s shot 60.3 percent on his field goals and has overall been a much more efficient player on both ends of the floor, not just offense.

Him and Nerlens Noel are beginning to mesh together and figure things out, which is encouraging considering the fact that Noel can help mask Okafor’s defensive shortcomings.

Okafor still needs to rebound and defend with consistency, but at this point he’s been the 76ers’ No. 1 option on offense and has done the best he can to live up to expectations even though he’s had his early struggles off the court.

It’s good to see Okafor play with energy and passion like he did in college and high school. It’s gotta be hard for him being on a team as bad as Philadelphia, but it looks like he’s put that behind him and he’s to doing everything he can to help his team win every night.

Grade: A-

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