Jahlil Okafor And Sixers Prepare For First Summer League Test
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Sixers top selection in this year's NBA Draft will suit up and play on Monday night in Summer League action. This is Jahlil Okafor's first chance to suit up for his team and he will do so and play.
For the last two years, the Sixers top pick was unable to do that due to injuries. Fans had to patiently wait for Nerlens Noel, and are still waiting for Joel Embiid.
This short wait for Okafor should be a pleasant treat for Sixers fans. The Sixers tip-off their Summer League schedule in Utah on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs.
Okafor is the main player to look out for. The 19-year old Duke product has the opportunity to be the most dominant offensive big man to play in Philadelphia in decades. That potential could certainly be on display throughout Summer League as the Sixers plan to play Okafor in both Utah and Las Vegas to get him ready for the season ahead.
Joining Okafor in Monday's starting lineup will be two players from last year's roster, Jerami Grant and Furkan Aldemir. The two will man the forward positions for the Sixers.
Aldemir will continue to get repetitions under his belt as he did not play a ton when he was brought over to the Sixers last season.
Grant was a pleasant surprise for the Sixers as he went from a second round selection to a solid contributor off the bench. His athleticism gives him the opportunity to impact the game on both ends of the floor and his versatility gives him the ability to play and defend against both forward positions.
The starting back court for the Sixers will include two newcomers. Jordan McRae will start at shooting guard. The Tennessee product was acquired by the Sixers during the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft and spent the season overseas in the NBL.
He also played with the Sixers D-League affiliate, the Delaware 87ers. McRae proved one thing last year: he can flat out score. He was the most productive scorer for the Sixers in Summer League a year ago and proved it was not a fluke everywhere he played.
McRae has a real chance to make the Sixers this season to add a shooting threat and a solid wing scorer. The team is even considering using him as a point guard.
Joining McRae in the back court will be T.J. McConnell. The undrafted senior out of Arizona has impressed in practices so far with the Sixers and he will get the chance to further impress as he runs with the Summer League team's most talented group. McConnell averaged 10.4 points and 6.3 assists per game as a senior.
The Sixers are short on proven point guards and his Summer League showing could go a long way toward earning McConnell a roster spot. He is also expected to play in both Utah and Las Vegas.
The Sixers will tip off against the Spurs at 7 p.m. on Monday night to kick off Summer League.
