This is the opposite of how Jahlil Okafor wanted to start his Pelicans career.
He had 8 points on 4-of-7 shooting on the night, then with just seconds left in the Pelicans’ first preseason game, Okafor went down with what looked to be a sprained ankle after tripping over the foot of a Bulls’ player in transition.
With only 18 seconds left in game, Jahlil Okafor appeared to have sprained an ankle and fell to floor. He was taken to locker room, walking on his own power but a bit gingerly
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) October 1, 2018
Pelicans’ Jahlil Okafor exits the United Center with crutches and an ice pack around right ankle. pic.twitter.com/svexvD960D
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 1, 2018
Okafor is getting an X-ray now on right ankle and MRI on Monday, league source says. https://t.co/E1DHmW1QK8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 1, 2018
New Orleans is Okafor’s chance to prove he still has a role in the NBA. The former No. 3 pick out of Duke has battled injuries throughout his career but also has watched the game quickly evolve away from his old-school style of play. Throw in his poor defense and it’s been hard for him to find a spot, but the Pelicans gave a chance to be the fourth man in a rotation with Anthony Davis, Nikola Mirotic, and Julius Randle.
This injury is a setback in that goal. Hopefully, he will not be out long.
