The Jahlil Okafor experiment has reached its third year and second team. Okafor is the NBA equivalent of the Jurassic Park movies. Someone is trying to bring something back from extinction in hopes of being successful and making lots of money. Jahlil is a big man that needs the ball in his hand, time to make several moves, and he usually doesn’t rebound, pass, or play defense at a high rate. He is a classic back to the basket big. Offenses used to run through men like him with focuses on the ball being played inside than out. The last real dominant force in this league that played like Jahlil was Shaq. Since then big men have basically been divided into the DeAndre Jordan versus Kevin Love categories. Either you’re a defensive first player that rebounds or one of those that can shoot and help space out the court.

There’s a third category filled with DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Karl Anthony-Towns, Joel Embiid and (maybe) Kristaps Porzingis. This category is the “are-you-kidding-me-no-human-being-your-size-should-be-able-to-do-the-things-you-do” category. The fast pace, ball movement, the three-point taking game of today that includes people like Draymond Green and Tristan Thompson playing center means that finding the proper role for Okafor will be difficult. Yet, he’s 21 years old, skilled, and seems ready and able to work hard. So far, it has gone well for both Okafor and the Nets. After averaging 17 points per game at Duke while shooting 66% from the field Okafor seemed like a sure-fire offensive force in the NBA. His rookie year in Philadelphia he showed that he could definitely score at any time and on anyone in the league. But, all of his other deficiencies made the team worse off and it became apparent that his style of play wasn’t suited for today’s games. Then the team drafted Joel Embiid and Dario Saric came over from Europe.

Nerlens Noel was already on the team so Okafor became expendable. His first few games in Brooklyn have shown a team not sure what they’ve got in Okafor but willing to find out and experiment. After a tumultuous time in Philadelphia, that included one bad bar fight, Okafor has been allowed to refocus and reassess his NBA career. Below is a highlight with Okafor against the Celtics. From the 37 second mark till the 48-second mark is a snippet of Okafor’s defense. He manages to get Kyrie to redirect his attack on the basket and give the ball up to Aron Baynes. After falling for the first fake by Baynes Okafor is able to quickly recover and still challenge Baynes’ shot without fouling. This highlight shows that Okafor, when pressed, can do the bare minimum on the defensive end to make his time on the court worthwhile. This highlight also shows how his speed, quickness, and hops leave a lot to be desired on the defensive side. Without supreme effort on the defensive side it may not be possible for Okafor to play a lot of minutes and he may not be able to devote that effort because of how much he will be asked to carry the load on offense.

After only playing in one of his first 13 games with Brooklyn Okafor has now featured in the past 13 games straight. He’s only played more than 13 minutes twice in his time in Brooklyn so far so his stats are less than impressive. He has been able to string together a 17 and 21 point performance going 15 for 22 in those two games combined (68% from the field). He’s also only missed one free throw during this span going 12 of 13. After only playing in one of his first 13 games with Brooklyn Okafor has now featured in the past 13 games straight. He’s only played more than 13 minutes twice in his time in Brooklyn so far so his stats are less than impressive. He has been able to string together a 17 and 21 point performance going 15 for 22 in those two games combined (68% from the field). He’s also only missed one free throw during this span going 12 of 13. After only playing in one of his first 13 games with Brooklyn Okafor has now featured in the past 13 games straight. He’s only played more than 13 minutes twice in his time in Brooklyn so far so his stats are less than impressive. He has been able to string together a 17 and 21 point performance going 15 for 22 in those two games combined (68% from the field). He’s also only missed one free throw during this span going 12 of 13.

These two highlight performances show that Okafor is capable of getting buckets. Yet, even then, his versatility in that regard is limited. He shot, right now, doesn’t extend to the three-point line or close. That is a problem. Also, his back to the basket game leaves a lot to be desired. At the 44-second mark of the highlight against the Hawks, Okafor basically gets bullied off the block by Miles Plumlee. Jahlil’s true offensive strength is facing up defenders and taking them off the dribble. He’s a force going forward and has moves and footwork that all help him get to the rim or get his shot off using his length. If Okafor can add some range to his shot and can begin picking his head up once he gets the ball in his sweet spot. Driving to the basket he is a bull with no regard for anyone’s safety. But in Kenny Atkinson’s offense if he can become a better distributor with the ball then his ability to draw defenders in on him and then kick the ball out to one of the teams many shooters will become an invaluable asset.

Right now Okafor is good, not great, at getting his. He will be a staple in the rotation once he can set picks and keep his head up so that he can contribute to his teammates getting open looks. Shooting efficient, making free throws, giving hustle and energy are all the ways Okafor will continue to show he can positively contribute to the team.