Rumors are just that -- rumors, until they are substantiated by the inking of a contract between a player and a team. To remain loyal to a single team throughout one's professional playing career is a rarity these days, and if regular Joes like you and I are able to job-hop from time to time, looking for greener pastures elsewhere, why not those who are in the NBA? The latest nugget swirling in the rumor mill would be a possible deal between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Word on the street has it that the New York Knicks are looking to augment their team with the irrepressible talent of the Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor before the new season kicks off. Such an addition would be a statement of intent, not to mention (a perceived) weakening of one of their rivals.
WIll Okafor be the missing link in the New York Knicks' puzzle where gameplay is concerned? We will not know until Okafor signs on the dotted line and gels himself into the rest of the team and its philosophy. Still, the 20-year old player is no pushover, boasting of fantastic offensive and defensive skills, amazing footwork capability, not to mention having the right attitude in order to work in the low post.
With Okafor joining the Knicks, chances are other teams in the NBA league might have to adjust their strategy when playing them. Apart from that, it has been cited that the New York Knicks might actually have Okafor team up with power forward Kristaps Porzingis. The latter will bring his excellent on-court defensive skills to match the former's relentless running. Will the duo be able to click from early on? We can only sit at home and by the court side with anticipation.
What then, must be done in order to ensure that such a deal goes through successfully? The New York Knicks have been rumored to open the exit door to their shooting guard Justin Holiday or power forward Kyle O'Quinn, in addition to several first-round NBA draft picks.
On the other side of the coin, there has been reports that mentioned how the Philadelphia 76ers are willing to trade a few players since their front court is a pretty crowded place at this point in time. Select NBA trade rumors do point to the Philadelphia 76ers warming up to the idea of bringing in new players from the New York Knicks into their fold. The reason behind such moves? To be able to focus on the backcourt gameplay, and fingers crossed, be the dawn of a new era of dominance in the Eastern Conference league.
The rumors concerning Okafor do not end there though. Some reports point to the Philadelphia 76ers mulling over the prospect of trading Okafor to the Boston Celtics so that they can acquire Jaylen Brown, their third pick for the NBA Draft 2016 season.
