There are plenty of NBA rookies in positions to take the league by storm this year, but few have been taking advantage of their playing time quite like Philadelphia’s Jahlil Okafor.
The first overall draft pick is averaging nearly 20 points per game in a 76ers offense predicated towards his skills. Defensively, he hasn’t been nearly as effective as his front court mate Nerlens Noel. However, Philly drafted the Chicago-native for his offensive potential, any defensive gains are a bonus.
Okafor appears to be getting it together on the defensive side after a 15 rebound performance against the Bulls Monday night. The 6ers would lose the game 111-86, but he showed flashes of the player he may become.
Tonight 76ers rookie Jahlil Okafor records his first double-double of his career. He finishes with 21 Pts, 15 Reb. pic.twitter.com/n4N7XTri6B
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 10, 2015
When it wasn’t Okafor’s night offensively, he relied on his improving defense to help the team. He finished the game with two blocks and grabbed nine defensive boards against a very savvy Bulls veteran front court.
He wasn’t asked to play much defense in college but he’s starting to show that it isn’t something he averse to.
