Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers drafted their third center in three years when they selected Jahlil Okafor from Duke University with the third pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. As a result, many fans and analysts alike were left scratching their heads as to where Okafor could potentially fit in with the Sixers supposed starting front court duo of Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid.
Make no mistake about it, the Sixers wanted to take point guard D’angelo Russell with their draft pick. General Manager Sam Hinkie might say otherwise, but the Sixers desperately need a dynamic point guard. Russell ended up going to the Los Angeles Lakers, who picked before the Sixers. But just because they did not get him, it does not mean all hope is lost.
Okafor is a proven offensive talent whose terrific footwork and creative moves in the post made him one of the most coveted players in this draft. His gigantic hands, wide frame, and strength are something any team would love to have, and now the Sixers have three players who possess these attributes.
In fact, while this was not the Sixers’ original plan from the start, one has to wonder if Hinkie selected Okafor with the idea in mind that head coach Brett Brown would employ some lineups featuring him, Embiid (if healthy this year), and Noel at some points in the season. The playing style in the NBA has certainly shifted more to “small ball” lineups with small forwards who can shoot from the outside instead play at the power forward position so to open up the floor better for everyone. Could the Sixers be the first team that tries to go big and play all three of their centers to form an absolute wrecking ball of a defensive unit in the paint that can also score the ball inside as well?
I am not sold on it working extremely well, but it is not a terrible idea to give it a try. However, for this to take place, a lot will have to happen. Noel will have to work on his offense, especially in forming a reliable mid-range jump shot. Okafor will have to improve tremendously on defense, using that dedicated footwork to help stay in front of his man and contest shots in the lane. And Embiid will have to prove he can just get on the court and be healthy for this team, because the last thing they need is another Andrew Bynum getting their hopes up but not being able to even suit up.
Should they try to play lineups with these three guys in it for stretches in the season (assuming Embiid is healthy)? Absolutely. At this point, what do they have to lose with experimenting? They are not going to win the championship this year (or for the next couple of years), so giving these three enormously skilled players a chance to play together makes perfect sense.
Whether or not they will be most productive in the starting lineup together for the future is uncertain, but it would be foolish to not even consider it as an option at this point. In all honesty, I see either Okafor or Noel eventually taking on a Taj Gibson sixth man role over time with the team. Then again this idea will be totally scratched if Embiid never plays a game in the league, meaning Okafor and Noel would make for the team’s future front court duo.
The Sixers and their fans could use some excitement being that they have not had any to speak of in a couple seasons. If all of these guys are healthy and ready to go, I would be interested to see some “big ball” lineups from the Sixers this year. We might not see them too often, but every once in a while, the Sixers could throw out one of the biggest lineups in the game. And that will definitely be worth watching.
Dan Schultz is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
