Again, Okafor posted 17 pts and 7 rebounds at age 20 on a 76ers team that won 10 games all year and was one of the worst teams ever put on a court in NBA history.
That alone speaks to his talent level and work ethic along with his track record in college and wide acknowledgement as one of the best prospects in his draft class.
Like every prospect, he had flaws - polished offensive game, but limited defensive skill set in rim protection, mobility and recognition. He had a very good attitude, work ethic and was willing to do what helped the team. He was not a trouble maker or malcontent.
There was also significant clues that Hinkie did not have final say on drafting Okafor - a red flag for Hinkie's vulnerability as GM and director of the rebuild process. JC who was President allegedly convinced ownership to over-rule Hinkie and make Okafor the pick due to concerns about Embiid's health.
The 76ers still could have worked with Okafor, stayed patient and developed him as the team got stronger, but Hinkie was fired after that rookie season, JC brought in his son BC and, from that day onward, Okafor was on the outs and then finally totally buried in his third season.
BC ruined Okafor's value and eventually dumped him for nothing to the Nets who have no capacity or desie to develop him. He'll play out the string and then be out of the league most likely unless some other team wants to take a shot. Okafor is a prime example of a player who was unlucky enough to be drafted by a bad team and then traded to an even worse team. He is case study #1 in why the NBA needs a farm system - if the Nets could send him down and let him develop, he might have a chance since he is still young.
Noel is a more nuanced case. Not as talented as Okafor overall, better defensively, but very limited offensively. Bottom line is he also fell into BC's doghouse and had his value ruined until he was dumped again for nothing. Dallas is undergoing a major rebuild and Noel again is a warm body for the eventual cap space.
The 76ers have a strong need for a backup C which has never been filled effectively and Noel in particular could have been a workable defense-first option off our bench. However, due to the trust and usage issues with 76ers management, Noel was not going to stay on a cheap deal and BC cut bait.
If BC has made another bad decision on Fultz, he should be fired and his father sent packing with him. I have zero trust these two will make the necessary basketball and cap decisions to get this team where we all want them to reach.
