National Basketball Association

Charlotte Hornets: Could Jahlil Okafor be returning to North Carolina?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Once the highest ranked high school player in the nation, Jahlil Okafor has been overlooked in his first year in the NBA. With a crowded front court in Philadelphia, could he find himself with the Charlotte Hornets and back in the state where he won a national championship?

Despite being the top prospect in his high school recruiting class, becoming one of the best players in college basketball, and winning an NCAA championship for Duke University, underrated is not the first word most people would use to describe Jahlil Okafor. However, despite putting a stat-line indicative of a long and prosperous NBA career, Okafor has been criticized or simply disregarded as a high-caliber player.

An Outdated Skill-Set?

Absolutely not. It seems as if everyone assumes that low-post monsters are defunct in the NBA. The advent of small-ball and rangy big men have marginalized the classical center. Then why do ball dominant big men such as DeMarcus Cousins, LaMarcus Aldridge, and to a smaller extent Derrick Favors carry such high value? With a combination of soft touches, the ability to hit mid-range shots, and score easy baskets, the big man is far from dead. It has simply evolved.

The NBA is currently in the era of the scoring point guard. That’s simply an indisputable fact, with at least half of the starting NBA point guards putting up All-Star caliber numbers. Many teams cater to the talents of guards like Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, and Stephen Curry. That means surrounding the roster with players that suit their needs. Let’s take a look at some of the centers on the same team as a score-first guard.

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Lillard is supported by Mason Plumlee. Irving has Tristan Thompson. Westbrook is flanked by Steven Adams. Stephen Curry formerly had Andrew Bogut, and now has Zaza Pachulia. What do these centers all have in common? None of them are great scorers, and are primarily focused on defense, rim protection, and rebounding.

That doesn’t sound like Okafor…

You wouldn’t be wrong if you’re thinking that those qualities are lacking in the Big Jah. Okafor isn’t the defensive center that many would like. Posting a less than adequate defensive rating, Okafor has been miscast as a slow-footed lumbering big.

However, Okafor’s bevy of post moves is hardly indicative of an uncoordinated big. Okafor dominates by possessing some of the flashiest and quickest spin moves in the league. The most surprising fact to people who have never actually seen Okafor play is his range. He’s flashed the ability to hit the mid-range shot and his mechanics are solid. Also, he shot 50% from 20-24 feet, showing a slight floor-stretching ability.

Apr 7, 2015; Durham, NC, USA;Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor watches a highlight video during a welcome home ceremony at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

This is why I would be wary of labeling him as a facsimile of Al Jefferson or Greg Monroe. Despite the similarity in their footwork and scoring, Jahlil is faster and more athletic than both. Okafor outscored and out-blocked Monroe as a rookie while on a team that did not fit his talents. Averaging 17.5 points, 1.2 blocks, and 7.0 rebounds, it would be appropriate to call Jahlil underrated at this point.

Is Okafor right for Charlotte?

At a glance, you would assume Okafor’s teammate Nerlens Noel would be the better fit in Charlotte. As I said before, centers focused on defense and rebounding are the rage next to scoring point guards. Likewise, the assumption that Noel would complement Kemba Walker‘s score first mentality is common. Although there is some truth to that, Noel simply lacks the same skill set that Okafor does.

After the addition of Ish Smith to the Sixers, Okafor averaged an impressive 66.7% from the field sharing the court with him. I like Ish, but he is definitely no Kemba Walker. We’ve seen how well Kemba can do sharing the ball with a scoring center like Al Jefferson. With a better and more athletic player in Okafor, there is no reason Kemba cannot thrive. More than capable in the pick and roll, Okafor complements Walker in a way Big Al never did.

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The rest of the roster more than mask Okafor’s weaknesses and amplify his strengths. Nicholas Batum would not only provide perimeter defense, but is another facilitator for the former Duke center. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an elite perimeter defender, certainly taking responsibility from Okafor. Marvin Williams might be his most valuable teammate though. Providing floor stretching from the power forward position as well as rim-protection, Williams could be the perfect complement to Big Jah. The spacing on the court will be phenomenal for Okafor to operate.

I believe the best way for Charlotte to succeed with Okafor is to emulate the Detroit Piston’s system of 4 out 1 in. Surrounding Andre Drummond with 4 shooters allowed the Pistons to make the playoffs with a subpar roster. Charlotte offers an upgrade at every position over Detroit. Nothing could help Okafor develop more than this roster.

What’s the Damage?

Okafor won’t come cheap. Or will he? That all depends on Philadelphia. With the logjam among their big men, Philadelphia must make a decision. They seem set on keeping Joel Embiid. That means Noel or Okafor has to go. In Philly, Okafor has to share a crowded frontcourt at all times with one of Noel, Embiid, Ben Simmons, or Dario Saric.

None of them expect to space the floor for Okafor to do what he does best, except Saric. The starting pair of Noel and Okafor was downright atrocious, allowing the opposing team to pack the paint with defenders. Along with Ben Simmons requiring the ball majority of the time leads me to believe Okafor is the odd man out.

It’s no secret needs shooters. Lucky for the Hornets, we have plenty. Charlotte has the luxury of bringing specialists like Marco Bellinelli or Jeremy Lamb off the bench. This is something Philly could definitely use. I believe a combination of Lamb and 2017 and 2019 first rounders should suffice for Okafor. Jeremy Lamb won’t bring the same production as Okafor but is certainly a better fit in Philly. Just 24, Lamb certainly brings potential and shooting to the Sixers.

The addition of 2 first round picks is lucrative as well as risky. Philadelphia will certainly be more likely to accept the trade with the picks. The Hornets would mortgage their future, but playing it safe has gotten Charlotte nowhere.

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What Okafor needs to be Charlotte’s savior

I’ve talked plenty about what Okafor brings to Charlotte. He has the potential to replace Kemba as the first scoring option on the team. His scoring talents combined with Charlotte’s complementary roster will undoubtedly result in a sophomore jump for Okafor. If this trade actually happens, I predict 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game wouldn’t be out of the question.

Certainly Jahlil needs to improve his defense, but as I said, three great perimeter defenders won’t hurt his development. My main area of concern is his assist to turnover ratio.

Averaging almost twice as many TO’s as assists, Okafor must become a better passer. To become a dominant post force, Okafor must pass so teams cannot double team him without risking an open shot.

Surrounded by four capable shooters, Okafor could be the perfect addition to Charlotte. A minor meniscus injury aside, Jah should have nothing but a productive sophomore year. Just not in Philly.

Let’s just hope Jahlil finds his way back to the state where he was last a winner.

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