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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Who Has The Most Trade Value?

By Nathan Grubel

Jan 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) is guarded by Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) is guarded by Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) and center Jahlil Okafor (8) react after a score against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) and center Jahlil Okafor (8) react after a score against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers

Remember, this isn’t a talent ranking but a look at rookie trade values. Okafor could eventually become as good as anyone on this list due to his blend of smooth skill and offensive prowess in the low post.

That doesn’t mean he isn’t expendable, however. The Sixers currently employ an athletic rim protector in Nerlens Noel and have a potential superstar big waiting in the wings in Joel Embiid.

If Philadelphia gets its hands on a deal that could bring in a superstar on the perimeter I can assure you Okafor goes first. He’s terrible on defense, lacks rebounding skill at this stage and isn’t as versatile as either of their other two bigs.

He has upside sure, but the fit isn’t there. Sam Hinkie took an asset in the draft, not a franchise player for the 76ers.

Does he have a lot of value? Potentially. But remember the way the league is going with big men. Teams want guys who can protect the rim and face up on offense. I’m not sure Okafor will ever become dominant enough offensively to warrant high trade value as some of the other names on this list because of his ineffectiveness as a two-way star.

Trade Value: Minimal

Next: Defensive Superstar?