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Why the Suns need to trade for Jahlil Okafor As Soon As Possible

By Matt Litzenberg

Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and center Joel Embiid (21) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and center Joel Embiid (21) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) against Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) against Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason #2: Okafor fits well with the Suns’ core

In order to succeed, Jahlil Okafor needs a lot. He needs shooters, a point guard who can give him the ball, a power four who can shot block making up for his own personal defensive deficiencies, and plenty of playing time. In Phoenix, Okafor would have all four. Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, and Jared Dudley would open up the floor for Okafor to work down low. Eric Bledsoe and Tyler Ulis could easily set Okafor in good situations for easy baskets. Marquese Chriss has made impressive strides in the draft defensive end and could be one of the best defensive four’s to come out of college in the past few years. And with the Suns rebuilding, Earl Watson would be able to provide Okafor with plenty of playing time, especially if Alex Len is not brought back.

Although Okafor struggles on defense and rebounding, he could learn the craft from Tyson Chandler. Okafor made strides on defense and rebounding towards the end of his rookie year and a fully healthy Okafor could improve on these skills in Phoenix. If Okafor struggles on defense, he will not crumble under the pressure of the media. The Phoenix media will not criticize him the way the Philadelphia media did, allowing Okafor to build his confidence back up.

In Phoenix, Okafor would be put into the best situation to succeed in the NBA. Joining the Phoenix Suns would be a career savior for Okafor. He would be getting into a situation even better than the one he had at Duke. Okafor also has two-years left on his contract, so he could have time to develop in Phoenix.

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