Will Guillory: Demps: Jahlil Okafor is coming in trying to prove something. He’s in great shape
Jahlil Okafor Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: C
Born: 12/15/95
Height: 6-11 / 2.11
Weight:270 lbs. / 122.5 kg.
Salary:
Born: 12/15/95
Height: 6-11 / 2.11
Weight:270 lbs. / 122.5 kg.
Salary:
Liz Mullen: Pelicans C Jahlil Okafor and BDA Sports have parted ways. The 15-day period has been waved by BDA Sports and he can sign with another agent anytime.
Jahlil Okafor: “The knock on me has always been my defense and my rebounding,” Okafor said. “I let the coaches know that I’m aware of that, and obviously they’re aware of that. They know that I’m 150% bought into doing whatever it takes to win. I think I’ve taken the necessary steps this summer just to become a better defender, a better rebounder — just because I’m moving better and I’m doing all of the right stuff. I’m really excited about it.”
Jahlil Okafor spoke for the first time about his signing with the Pelicans. While he didn’t reveal too much, it was clear that he’s excited to play with Anthony Davis — Okafor’s role model — and be a part of a team that’s actively trying to win.
Jahlil Okafor: “There were several guys there; AD was one of the guys there. You know, he’s a Chicago guy so he’s somebody that I’ve always been able to watch and monitor because when I was a freshman, he was the #1 high school player in the country as a senior. I was able to do the same thing. Then he went to Kentucky, won a national championship; then I went to Duke and copied him — did the same thing and won a national championship. He’s always been like a mark for me to look at.”
Okafor went on to add that New Orleans is a fresh start for him: a new team, new city, and a new conference. “With the Pelicans in particular, I’m going to a team with aspirations of winning a championship, and that the whole organization and atmosphere is all about winning. That’s not something I’ve been accustomed to since I’ve been in the NBA; it’s sort of been the opposite.”
