Five teams who should be interested in Jahlil Okafor

The Philadelphia 76ers appear to be parting ways with center Jahlil Okafor. The third overall pick in last year’s draft out of Duke, Okafor could be a difference maker for a new squad.

Jahlil Okafor is not a perfect player. He is a total defensive liability, especially when pulled away from the basket. Okafor hasn’t shown much of an ability to stretch the floor or pass exceptionally. His best skill, scoring with his back to the basket, is increasingly marginalized in today’s game. These holes in his game have dropped his value from the third overall pick to reportedly nearly being traded for Alexis Ajinca and a future future first round pick in just a season and a half.

The emergence of Joel Embiid this season has made Okafor expendable. Nerlens Noel will fit cleaner alongside Embiid long term, and it makes sense for the 76ers to move on from a player they drafted highly recently as a result.  Despite having flaws, Okafor is worth taking a chance on. He averaged 17.5 points and 7 rebounds per game last year as a 20-year-old rookie. Still just 21, Okafor should grow as a player and correct at least some of his faults.

Players of Okafor’s caliber aren’t available this early in their careers very often. Some team could potentially acquire a leading scorer down the line for the cost of a lone first round pick. The 76ers are pressured to move him for potentially below market value soon and another team could reap the benefits. Here’s a look at five teams who should be inquiring about Okafor’s services:

5. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are a proud franchise. Since Mark Cuban bought the team in early 2000, they have missed the playoffs only once. The combination of Dirk Nowitzki and coach Rick Carlisle has usually been enough to propel Dallas out of the lottery, but this year looks like it could be an exception. Despite an 18-11 record in 2017, the Mavericks are 11th in Western Conference standings. They could potentially make a run for the eight seed, but 38-year-old Dirk Nowitzki’s legs can only take so much run at this point.

Dirk Nowitzki has had a hall-of-fame run in Dallas, but it could be coming to a close soon. When the Mavericks maxed out 24-year-old Harrison Barnes, many assumed him to be their next franchise player. He has mirrored Nowitzki’s role for the Mavericks at times and played well in a more featured role. Nowitzki may or may not be back next year, but Dallas should plan for a time after Dirk. With Nowitzki and Andrew Bogut’s time with the team numbered, the center position could be addressed.

Okafor could be acquired for Justin Anderson and a future first round pick, maybe less. He could give the Mavericks offense, currently ranked 24th in points per 100 possessions, an immediate boost. Okafor would also be in the hands of one of the league’s highest regarded coaches in Carlisle. He could help Dallas avoid a total rebuild if this move works out. It makes sense for Dallas to ask about trading for Okafor.