In 2015, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Jahlil Okafor with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-10 big man was expected to be a dominant interior scorer and rim protector before his Sixers career faltered.
Unfortunately, Okafor entered the NBA right around the time the league began moving into its “pace and space” era, with bigs asked to work behind the three-point line. Okafor’s limited skill outside the paint quickly saw him bounce around the league before finding himself playing abroad.
In recent years, Okafor has been taking his talents around the world. He’s had stops in Japan, China and even Spain. According to Scott Agness, Okafor has now signed with Levanga Hokkaido of the Japanese B League — the top basketball league in the country.
“Former Mad Ants center Jahlil Okafor has signed with Levanga Hokkaido in Japan for the 2025-26 season,” Agness posted on X.
Okafor, 29, should thrive in Japan courtesy of his interior game, footwork, and explosiveness. However, given how long he’s been away from the NBA and how the game continues to evolve, it’s unlikely we will see him back in the league moving forward. Nevertheless, it would appear the former top-three pick is carving out an impressive international career for himself.
Sixers Low-Balled Yabusele
Another big man who recently left the Sixers franchise is Guerschon Yabusele. The impressive forward hit unrestricted free agency this summer before signing with the New York Knicks. Unlike Okafor, Yabusele has an impressive skill set on the perimeter.
During a recent appearance on SK Week TV, Yabusele explained what led him to leave the Sixers franchise. He noted that the contract offer he received was far lower than he had expected.
“I was like, ‘Okay, if they want to resign me and then they give me something good, I will come back for sure. And if they want me to leave, then I will leave,’” Yabusele said. “I didn’t have any hard feelings or a hard time. But they almost didn’t make a real offer. They did, but it was really low. So, to be transparent, I felt like, ‘Oh my God, you guys, it seems like you don’t really want me to stay.’ It was a situation, but no hard feelings. I’m always thankful for them. They gave me my second chance.”
Yabusele was one of the few members of the Sixers roster to have an impressive season. In 70 games, he averaged 11 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He shot 50.1% from the field and 38% from deep. His absence will be a significant blow to the Sixers ‘ frontcourt rotation next season.
Yabusele is Pleased to Land With New York Knicks
In the same interview with SK Week, Yabusele explained why he’s excited to team up with the Knicks.
“I think the Knicks was a great decision,” Yabusele said. “Because I feel like their team really matches my DNA to fight hard…What I like about the team, is what they did this season…This could be a good chance and opportunity to play there.”
If the Sixers can remain healthy, the Knicks will be one of their biggest rivals next season. Therefore, losing Yabusele to New York could prove to be a costly mistake by Daryl Morey. However, there is still enough time left in the offseason for the Sixers to find reinforcements in the frontcourt.
Because, as currently constructed, that’s arguably the weakest part of the rotation in terms of depth.
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