Jahlil Okafor missed the 76ers’ last two games, because -- as they abnormally openly revealed -- he was involved in trade talks. It’s one thing to sit a player the day a trade is imminent. Doing it for multiple games is another level.
Yet, Okafor is rejoining Philadelphia for its game against the Celtics tonight.
What gives?
The shelving of Okafor was likely meant to flush out the best offers around the league, sources speculate. It’s not uncommon for teams to use leaks to stir interest. The Nuggets and Blazers weren’t pursuing Okafor. The Bulls likely aren’t either. No one is buying what Bryan Colangelo is selling: a one-dimensional center who can’t defend, rebound, or pass on a roster loaded with big men.
Even if this weren’t 76ers general manager Bryan Colangelo’s plan, this belief around the league will hurt his leverage. Colangelo already sounded desperate to move a center. Good luck convincing anyone Okafor is coveted now.
And there’s still the issues about Okafor’s defense and floor-spacing...