The Philadelphia 76ers and their rebuilding have been a controversial topic within the NBA. With the team actively tanking for several years to accumulate high draft picks, it is no secret that they have not been a destination for high valued free agents. Well apparently, they are no longer a destination for high draft picks, either.
According to Keith Pompey of the Inquirer, Sixers rookie and third overall pick Jahlil Okafor and his camp did not want to be drafted by the organization:
Sources say that Okafor’s camp wasn’t in favor of him playing for the Sixers during the draft process.
Additionally, New York Knicks rookie and fourth overall pick Kristaps Porzingis and his camp refused the Sixers the right to an interview during the draft process:
According to multiple sources, Hinkie wasn’t permitted to interview Kristaps Porzingis during his predraft workout in Las Vegas in June.
There is certainly a chance that being unable to interview Porzingis, who has had a stellar rookie season to date, factored in the Sixers’ decision to take Okafor one spot higher. Of course, Porzingis was also somewhat of an unknown having played in Europe before the draft.
Nevertheless, the story here is that the Sixers’ rookie reportedly was not interested in joining a team in the midst of a controversial and long-lasting rebuild. This is a potentially scary effect of the Sixers’ rebuilding strategy where young players feel as if they are joining a losing situation with no immediate chance of turning it around. Okafor, who has been no stranger to controversy himself, is billed to be a star for the Sixers. However, if he does not want to play for the team and if that translates to his effort and play on the court, then the Sixers lose again, but at a higher and more important level.
