Brett Brown: Jahlil Okafor handling trade rumors like a pro
AUBURN HILL, Mich. - 76ers coach Brett Brown has much respect for Jahlil Okafor. Brown is especially impressed by the center's attitude amid the uncertainty that hovers over his 6-foot-11, 265-pound frame. Barring a sudden change of plans, it appears that Okafor's days as a Sixer could be about to end.
AUBURN HILL, Mich. - 76ers coach Brett Brown has much respect for Jahlil Okafor.
Brown is especially impressed by the center's attitude amid the uncertainty that hovers over his 6-foot-11, 265-pound frame. Barring a sudden change of plans, it appears that Okafor's days as a Sixer could be about to end.
Recent speculation has Chicago and New Orleans interested in trading for Okafor. The biggest question is when the second-year veteran will learn his fate. Will it be right before the Feb. 23 trade deadline, sometime in the near future, or over the summer?
In addition to that uncertainty, Okafor has gone from last season's leading scorer to seeing time only when Joel Embiid is resting or injured.
"He has been a star," Brown said of Okafor following Monday's 113-96 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Brown's level of respect has a lot to do with how well Okafor has handled his situation. Okafor has remained a good teammate and continued to work hard on his game despite the trade talk. And he continues to hold his head high.
"We remind him, 'Go read your resumé,' " Brown said. " 'You go have a look at who you are.' And he's got a lot to be proud of on the court."
Brown was proud of Okafor's performance against the Pistons. Perhaps it had something to do with auditioning for NBA teams looking to trade for him. Maybe it was just a matter of being in better shape, or his right knee is feeling better.
Whatever the reason, Okafor was perhaps the most active he has been as a Sixer. He finished with 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting. He also ran the floor well, constantly moved around, and attempted to provide some resistance on defense.
"I was just going out there giving 100 percent all night," Okafor said. "Just giving effort, trying to help this team win. That's what I've been trying to do every day, and I'm going to continue to do that."
The Sixers (18-33) will host the San Antonio Spurs (39-12) Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Center.
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