Jahlil Okafor may finally be dealt to the Boston Celtics by the Philadelphia 76ers, a transaction that would include an owed Brooklyn Nets’ future first round pick. The Celtics and the Sixers have been reportedly in talks since February but nothing has materialized thus far.
Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel have been long tied up to potential NBA trade rumors though no team has come close to snagging them away from Philly. Despite a formidable lineup, getting Okafor could prepare the Celtics not only for the coming NBA season but also as an investment moving forward, the Boston Herald reported.
But the question now is will the Brooklyn Nets participate and give up a future first-round pick to calm the storm. At first glance, the deal seems lopsided seeing the Sixers could ask for more. Looking over the horizon, future incoming players are seen as talented and cagers who could seriously turn the fortunes of any ballclub around.
The gamble for Jahlil Okafor could work for the Celtics though Danny Ainge is aware that he is getting a player plagued with maturity issues mostly stemming outside the basketball court. That includes a bar fight in Boston which practically triggered a lot of escapades that have tarnished the sophomore’s basketball career, Philly.com reported.
Brad Stevens will be tasked to set things straight for the promising center-forward. In his rookie season, Okafor showed signs of brilliance on the offensive end. But as suspect during the 2015 NBA Draft, his defensive awareness needs a lot of improvement.
At 6-foot-11, Okafor has the tools to be a future NBA Hall of Famer. Distractions have cast a bad light on his pro career though that can be corrected with the right mentor. Gregg Popovich was seen as the best guy for the job but if Stevens ends up with the former Duke standout, the Celtics stand to benefit.
Any potential deal for Okafor could happen, a necessity for the Sixers who have a crowded frontline. Brandon Ingram will be missing some months but the debut of Joel Embiid make is more harder to manage Okafor, Noel and other budding forwards on the Philly roster.
Check out the video below tackling the possible move of Jahlil Okafor to the Boston Celtics.