Beleaguered big man Jahlil Okafor doesn't seem to have many supporters within the Philadelphia 76ers front office. After all, the team has decided to allow the third-year Duke product to reach unrestricted free agency next summer by not picking up their fourth-year team option.
While Okafor's on the ropes in his current situation, he can count at least one influential supporter in his corner:
Isaiah Thomas, who is currently recovering from a hip injury, knows a thing about overcoming adversity. Unlike Okafor, who was drafted No. 3 overall just three drafts ago, Thomas was the very last pick of the second round in 2011, overcoming his anonymity, low expectations, and small stature to become an All-NBA player and two-time All-Star.
After expecting to have moved on from the team by Oct. 31's fourth-year option deadline, Okafor has requested either a buyout or trade in order to move on with his career. The Sixers have reportedly shown little interest in negotiating a buyout with the 6-foot-11 center.
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The Boston Celtics, Thomas' former team, have allegedly considered trading for Okafor, though only if the cost is minimal.