Jahlil Okafor has the best resume among NBA Rookies, and he also wants the biggest award for himself.
The big man from Duke has been a winner at every level. Before joining the Blue Devils, he was already a winner in high school. Now that he's in the NBA, he's setting his sights on the Rookie of the Year award.
The third overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft spoke to CSN Philly about his goals for the year (transcribed by NBC):
"For myself, before the season I just need to make sure I'm prepared. I don't know what to expect, I've never played in the NBA, but Rookie of the Year is one of my goals I've set for myself, my personal achievements," he shared. "As for the team, I want to get better. We're a rebuilding team right now, but (we should) go out there every day and compete."
It would not seem realistic for Okafor to call a championship run for the Philadelphia 76ers, but an individual award is worth a shot for the 6-10 forward-center. Throughout his career, he's had a lot of both.
Okafor was the High School player of the year awardee from Parade and USA Today. He was also tournament MVP in the 2012 FIBA U17Championships, leading Team USA to a gold medal.
In college, he National Freshman of the Year and ACC Player of the Year and a unanimous choice as NCAA First team, All NCAA Selection.
Jahlil Okafor has the pedigree of a winner, but will it extend to the NBA? Duke fan blog Ball Durham cites Las Vegas preseason odds which has Okafor as the favorite. He has the highest odds at 7-2.
Another development that will work in favor of the young yet polished center is that Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers 3rd overall pick last year was reported to be injured again. If Embiid will miss significant time this season, Okafor will have lots of playing opportunities to make his case.