The Sixers selected Jahlil Okafor with the third overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Since then, the 19-year-old has had a few issues away from the basketball court that have overshadowed his play on it.
Okafor was reportedly involved in an incident outside of a Philadelphia nightclub in October where words were exchanged with a heckler, who later pointed a gun at the Sixers center. There was also the recent fight in Boston that included Okafor punching a man. As if that wasn’t enough, Okafor was pulled over for doing 108 m.p.h. on the Ben Franklin Bridge between Philadelphia and New Jersey a few weeks ago.
Okafor told reporters on Friday he is embarrassed about what happened and called it “dumb” on his part. On Sunday, Okafor issued a statement via his Twitter account about his recent off-the-court issues.
I hold myself to a higher standard than anyone else ever could and I'm not proud of some of my decisions over the last few months.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) November 29, 2015
I own my choices both personally and now publicly. At this point I am cooperating and respecting the process I have to go through.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) November 29, 2015
Going forward I don't want to be a distraction for my team and am grateful for the support and guidance those close to me are giving.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) November 29, 2015
I am 100% focused on my responsibility to the League, my teammates and fans.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) November 29, 2015
The Sixers have supported Okafor thus far and many will point out that he’s just 19-years-old. That said, there is obviously a pattern of behavior that will need to be changed for Jahlil Okafor to have the career he and the Sixers envisioned. Okafor is averaging 18 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game through the first 17 games of his NBA career.
