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With Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell going with the first and second overall picks, the Sixers had to choose between fit and talent. In the end, Sam Hinkie chose talent. And thus with the third overall pick, Duke Center Jahlil Okafor was drafted by the 76ers.
Okafor, a freshman last season, averaged 17 points and 9 rebounds per game for the national champion Blue Devils, shooting an otherworldly 67% from the court, including 50% on non-layups and dunks. He should enter the NBA as one of the league's premier post players from the drop, and has the potential to be a centerpiece of an NBA offense. While large, he hasn't been a particularly good defender at any time in high school or college.
Okafor was ranked 4th on the Liberty Ballers Big Board, a collection from Liberty Ballers writers and readers. I had him ranked second, though on the same tier as D'Angelo Russell and Mario Hezonja, players who fit much better with the 76ers roster.
The Sixers drafted who they considered the best talent. But this creates some fit issues. What does this mean for Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid? It's almost impossible to see all three sticking around long-term. Do the Sixers intend on starting the season with all three players on the roster? Will Noel be traded soon, or even later tonight? Or do the Sixers hold Okafor knowing a trade offer will come in? Boston was reportedly interested in a trade earlier today.
Jahlil Okafor is the best offensive big prospect to come along since Anthony Davis. But unfortunately for Sixers fans looking for clarity regarding the franchise's future core, the pick results in more questions than answers. Woj reports they'll keep him. Stay tuned. I'm not sure I believe it.
The Sixers plan to keep Okafor --- for good, sources tell Yahoo. He won't be auctioned in a trade.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 25, 2015