Why Can't Jahlil Okafor Translate His Low Post Game Into Rebounding?
Philadelphia 76ers center, Jahlil Okafor, has shown the ability to be a bully in the low post on offense, but why hasn’t he been able to translate those skills in the paint into becoming a better rebounder?
Was Jahlil Okafor worthy of being the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft? This is a question that has been, and is still in the process of tearing Philadelphia 76ers fans apart. Yes, he has shown elite low post talent from time to time, but that has been about it so far.
The mystery
Right now, Jahlil Okafor just isn’t a good rebounder. But why? His footwork on offense may be his most unique attribute. His willingness to lower his shoulder on offense and move a defender back in the paint has been evident. So, why can’t he combine the quick feet with body strength, and become elite at boxing out?
All elite rebounders in the NBA are exceptional in the following four categories:
More from The Sixer Sense
How Does Okafor Utilize These Four Skill Sets With the Ball On Offense? Observations:
How Does Okafor Utilize These Four Skill Sets When Trying to Rebound? Observations:
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Why Can’t Jahlil Okafor Translate His Low-Post Offense to Rebounding Success?
Okafor has a rare set of light feet on offense, allowing him to spin around defenders and lay the ball in with ease, but why isn’t he able to swirl around a box out and get up for a board?
As seen above, he is capable of bumping a defender, nearly into the camera row (in this case, it’s Rudy Gobert, one of the best defensive centers in the NBA), which gives him space to go up for a dunk, but he rarely ever moves a player out of the paint for a rebound. All 265 lbs. of the former Duke Blue Devil comes in handy when it comes to scoring in the paint, but it just isn’t coming together on the glass.
Why We Should Be Scared
After Friday night’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, Jahlil Okafor is averaging 3.3 rebounds per game in 21.2 minutes, even though he recently vowed to become a better rebounder. Maybe you’ve heard the old saying, “Numbers never lie, but people do.” Does the Sixers’ center want to become an elite rebounder? Does he want to put the work in off the court to gain the necessary athleticism to chase down a loose floor board? Is he ever going to learn to box out?
Why Should Should Remain Positive, But Still A Little Scared
He has the ability to display those four qualities on offense. We’ve seen it on countless occasions. This is the same guy that dominated Karl-Anthony Towns (highlights above) twice in the 2015-16 season, which was his rookie year. But, those facets just haven’t translated yet when it comes to rebounding the basketball.
Rebounding is all about effort, and maybe he just does’t care enough to master that craft, even though it seems as if he has to tools necessary in becoming at least average off the glass.
At least the Sixers have 24 minutes of Joel Embiid.
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