NBA Draft: Grading the Philadelphia 76ers’ last 10 first rounds

2015

The moves: Drafted Jahlil Okafor

Jahlil Okafor

In the Sam Hinkie era, it was heavily believed that drafting the “Best Player Available” would help optimize a team for future success. Even if the “BPA” was at the same position that you already have talented players at, you simply make it work. If it doesn’t work, you trade one of the pieces. Sounds good, right?

Well, when the Sixers drafted center Jahlil Okafor at third overall, that’s not how 2015 went.

In 2015, many saw Jahlil Okafor as the consensus number one pick coming out of high school. However, because his game did not fit the modern day “space and pace” model, Okafor’s game did not translate to the NBA. Although Okafor had a fantastic rookie year, averaging 17.5 points, 7.20 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.

Now, that’s all well and good, but Okafor was simply not effective if he didn’t have the ball. This was clear when he would take the ball at the top of the key and then try to drive it in and work the post on a frequent basis. Considering the fact that Sixers ended up missing out on players like Kristaps Porzingis and Devin Booker in process, that certainly doesn’t help.

Okafor would ultimately finish his time in Philadelphia getting DNPs left and right. He would end up being traded for a second-round pick and Trevor Booker in 2017.

Grade: D+