The NBA regular season is down to the final stretch and some teams are already looking towards the next season.
Perhaps the earliest team to do that is the Philadelphia 76ers. Some would argue that this season is merely a stepping stone or a testing ground to determine which players will be part of their core, while those not selected will just be showcased to acquire better assets.
It is presumed that the Sixers will have to make the decision for one of their young centers, Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel.
There is often a debate on which of the two young centers should be traded. It often leads to an offense vs defense discussion. Team site The Sixers Sense mentioned that the team would probably make a trade and that there is interest for both.
"With all of this talent, and the fact that Noel and Okafor don't exactly fit together, one of them will have to be moved," TSS writer Josh Wilson said. "This is often seen as a bad thing, but I believe it needs to be seen as a good thing.Teams want Noel and Okafor. They were inquired for at the trade deadline. These are good players that can yield great return value for the Sixers. They just need to find a deal that fits for them."
Even fans at the Real GM forum had a poll, and the slight edge of the votes had Okafor being the trade bait.
Why should Okafor be traded? Does that mean he is the inferior player?
Not necessarily. Okafor has high interest among other teams and if the report from The Boston Herald would be the basis, Okafor was worth the Brooklyn Nets unprotected pick.
While there are many detractors on the Duke standout, he has been a very consistent contributor and should be a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year (if not for Karl Anthony Towns phenomenal start).
Another factor is the return of Joel Embiid. If Embiid's recovery is complete, he may have to take the starting center slot. Between Okafor and Noel, it may seem like Noel would be the player who could play alongside Embiid. Noel is a weakside defender who could play off the ball as compared to Okafor who needs to post up.
The Sixers may think differently and it may also depend on what other teams may offer and what the Sixers need. The position they are seeking to immediately fill up is at the point. As an example, a team like the Phoenix Suns may offer either Brandon Knight or Eric Bledsoe. Would the Suns ask for Okafor or Noel in return?
That is just one possible scenario, but from the information we have at this moment and the sentiment of the fans at Philadelphia, Jahlil Okafor will be the center of the Sixers' trade talks.