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NBA: Top 10 Players 21 And Under

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) shoots over Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) shoots over Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jahlil Okafor (20 years, one month), Philadelphia 76ers

2015-16 statistics: 17.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.1 bpg 17.11 PER

It raised many eyebrows when Adam Silver announced that the Sixers had selected Jahlil Okafor with the third overall pick in the 2015 draft. Their frontcourt had seemed to be set for the future with Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid, so adding Okafor just seemed like the paint would be extremely cluttered.

The Sixers didn’t have to worry about having the three big men when it was announced Embiid would miss his second consecutive season with a foot injury. Instead, Okafor would be able to showcase his talents without pressure of losing his starting minutes.

The former Duke Blue Devil was known for having an advanced offensive game, especially in post-up situations with his back to the basket.

His defensive instincts were the biggest questions in whether or not he could be an elite center in the NBA. As expected, Okafor has struggled a bit on that end of the floor, but having Noel next to him often makes up for his mix-ups.

Nevertheless, Okafor is going to keep improving and utilizing his tremendous footwork and strength that he already possesses. Expect him to be in the conversation as one of the top centers for the future.

Next: No. 4