A Jahlil Okafor Conspiracy Theory

Ever since it was announced that his rookie season would come to an early end due to injury issues and a scheduled surgery, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding Jahlil Okafor's future in Philadelphia. Some wonder if he has already played his last game with the 76ers. 

Such speculation stems largely from Sam Hinkie's willingness to shuffle talent, as well as concerns about franchise fit. However, there is another angle to consider when it comes to Okafor's long-term Philadelphia future: discontent from the player. 

Okafor's rumored distaste for the Sixers predates the 2015 NBA Draft, when reports surfaced that his camp did not want him selected by the Sixers. Okafor's agent even reportedly told the Sixers not to draft his client. 

Okafor's camp is worried if Lakers pass and I'm told they really like Russell, possibly promised him, that Philly takes Okafor. #NBADraft

— Probasketballdraft (@Probballdraft) June 12, 2015

On the contrary, Okafor's interest in the Lakers, who had the second selection in the '15 Draft, was well-documented. After an amateur career that consisted almost entirely of success, the idea of joining the purposefully plummeting Sixers was understandably unappealing. 

Reports of Okafor's unhappiness with his selection by the Sixers surfaced almost immediately, as the freshly-minted third pick was heavily scrutinized for his handling of the team's jersey at an introductory event. 



Okafor explained that he didn't drop the jersey - rather placed it on a table - but it didn't take a body language expert to tell that he looked less than excited at his first official NBA appearance for the Sixers. 

The buzz died down toward the season's start, as Jahlil said all the right things publicly, but a slew of off-court issues that culminated in a team-sanctioned suspension revitalized chatter about the former Blue Devil's level of content and fit in Philadelphia. 

Meanwhile, the losses continued to pile up on the court for the Sixers, who started the season 1-30, and Okafor slipped to a distant third in the Rookie of the Year race - one that he was predicted to win by his peers prior to the season's start. The rookie class also collectively predicted that Okafor would have the best career out of the class. A re-vote today would likely yield different results, and there are some within Okafor's camp, that blame that, at least partially on the Sixers. 

According to a source, the aversion to the Sixers within Okafor's camp has not dissipated and there are many around him that remain less than thrilled about his place in the Sixers' rebuilding 'process'. 

Okafor's father has already expressed his distaste for Coach Brett Brown publicly; what gets said behind closed doors among confidants? Since Okafor's representation didn't want him selected by the Sixers in the first place, it is feasible to surmise that they are also working to expedite his exit. 

I'm behind Sixers bench, Okafor's Dad behind me - he's nonstop HARASSING Brett Brown. End of half Jah finally told Dad to cut it out.

— Michael H. Weber (@thisisweber) January 3, 2016

It is likely that that the feelings of Okafor's camp have been brought to the attention of the Sixers, either directly or indirectly, and could directly effect the team's willingness to - and the speed at which they- move Okafor. If it is unlikely that he would re-up with the franchise once his rookie contract expires, it might be in their best interest to get return value while they can, especially considering their currently crowded frontcourt. 

Again, Okafor has said and done all the right things publicly, and he has competed out on the court, but behind the scenes things might be different. 

Okafor's NBA prospects remain bright, but his future with the Sixers is uncertain. There may be more involved in his long-term outlook in Philadelphia than Sam Hinkie's itchy trade fingers.  

Without confirmation from Okafor himself, this can all be classified simply as speculation, but one doesn't have to be a conspiracy theorist to be open-minded and to consider all available information. According to a common proverb, where there's a lot of smoke, there's often fire.