FanPost

Talking myself into Okafor

As the rumors continue and Okafor continues to be part of them. I have started to talk myself into trading for him being a good idea. Let me be clear though, I can also talk myself into trades for Vuvizec, Lopez, Griffin, and my dream trade for DMC. Back to Okafor though. My thoughts are as follows:

1.) Maturity issues- the rep on him is that he has been immature and not dedicated to working. Is it possible that a 19 year old takes longer to develop these traits? Does having Al Horford on the team aid in the development of these traits? Who on the 76ers was there to take the burden of being a leader away and show what being a professional is about? Noel at age 21? Elton Brand at age 36 and a non productive member of the team? Perhaps Okafor was thrust into a very disadvantaged situation.

2.) Defense- the fact that he wasn't a great defender on the 76ers doesn't surprise anyone. Outside of Noel (who was a poor fit with Okafor) there wasn't anyone that could be classified as an average defender. If you put Okafor in a line up with Bradley, Crowder, and Horford he isn't forced to be everywhere. Defend the post, and grab the rebound. Remember Evan Turner wasn't considered a great defender before he came to the celtics. The system can improve the player, especially one that is so young.

3.) Back to basket post players are dead- The league has changed. Okafor's game doesn't work anymore. What was the main issue we faced when playing the Hawks in the playoffs? No secondary option for lack of quality 3pt shooting. Would have been nice to have had an option to feed the ball down low to a low post beast. Maybe have a second defender needing to help, opening up shooting options? Unless you are the Golden State Warriors, a post presence that is great is still an advantage. Okafor could consistently draw double teams. Horford can offer some spacing that plays nice with Okafor. Thomas can have Horford for pick and pop, he can pick and role with Okafor. Seems like we would be able to score in multiple ways.

4.) Cost- Trade for Okafor and you wouldn't likely need to give up the 2017 Nets pick. They have glut. They need options at the Pg or Sg spot. We have a glut of players there. It works. Cost is also important when considering future years. Okafor is still going to be on the rookie wage scale for the next few years. Imagine paying Jared Sullinger money for someone that is far superior to Sullinger (and in shape).

5.) Future- Okafor helps some now. But in a few years the core of the team could be Rozier, Brown, Okafor, and the 2017 Nets pick. This keeps the window for chasing championships open for a 10+ years.

6.) Flexibility- The Celtics would be buying low on Okafor, just like we did with Turner. Imagine that he plays well. Improves his defense. Improves his reputation. Improves his maturity. Now you have an actual developed asset. Might make trading for DMC a bit easier.

So those are the reason's I am talking myself into the player. Its not a number 1 option on the trade front, but it is one that is garner the most attention as actually possible.

Have at it!

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