It appears to have been something of a tough offseason for Sixers sophomore Jahlil Okafor. And given their current frontcourt, it probably won't get a whole lot easier anytime soon.
Okafor, of course, found himself (along with fellow big man Nerlens Noel) at the heart of a gaggle of trade rumors this offseason. There was also plenty of healthy debate about which of the two bigs would be more valuable to the Sixers' franchise going forward.
Okafor obviously heard these rumblings and finally wanted to set the record straight on some things over the weekend on his Twitter.
One second I'm reportedly upset to be in Philly, then the next I'm upset about trade rumors and having to leave Philly.— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
Which one is it? Source please confirm. Seems like writers are getting lazy, dropping a fraudulent story and try to make it credible by— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
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Using that magic word.... Sources! Lol stop it.— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
With all that being said. I love where I am, and I am excited about this upcoming season. Big season for us! #Philly— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) July 11, 2016
Jahlil went through plenty of growing pains during his first season in the NBA, both on and off the court. Now, during his first offseason in the league, he's learning how to cope with constantly having his name tossed around in the media.
There is still a logjam in the Sixers' frontcourt and the trade rumors are not going anywhere anytime soon.
While second- and third-year players like Jerami Grant, Nik Stauskas, T.J. McConnell and others suit up and get some reps in at the Las Vegas Summer League, Okafor has been absent, left to make his presence and his feelings felt on social media.
