Despite his name being circulated in trade rumors over the past several weeks, Joel Embiid hopes that President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo and the Sixers wind up keeping second-year center Jahlil Okafor rather than deal him before the NBA Trade deadline.
“We got a lot of talent, and I feel we can use everybody if we want to get to where we want to,” Embiid said during NBA All-Star Weekend, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. “Obviously, the playoffs are right there even if we don’t get the opportunity to make it this year. I think next year is our goal. We have a lot of talent. Anytime you have that type of talent, you got to find ways to make it work.”
Okafor on Trade Talks
In 23 games this season, Okafor is averaging 11.6 and 4.8 rebounds per game in his second season after being chosen by the Sixers with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
After being sent away for the team following last Saturday’s game against the Miami Heat amid rampant speculation that Colangelo was closing in on a trade, Okafor returned to the team this week for the Sixers’ final game prior to the all-star break against the Boston Celtics.
“I’m just trying to focus on playing basketball,” Okafor said on Wednesday following the team’s shootaround, via ESPN. “It’s really difficult with all the rumors, not knowing if I’ll be here tomorrow. But I know I’m playing tonight and that’s what I’m focusing on.
“The organization has been up front with me and communicating with me that they were in advanced trades. They didn’t tell me I was certainly out of the door, just that it was a possibility. I’m grateful of Coach (Brown) and organization that was up front with me. I know it’s rare for teams to do that.”
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975.
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