Does The 76ers' Jahlil Okafor Fit Celtics' Needs?
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Celtics could certainly use some kind of low-post presence on their roster, if not a high-end talent in the frontcourt like Al Horford. But the best player the team could acquire in the 2016 offseason might be Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor. Is he the kind of big man that would fit the Celtics' needs right now?
Adam Jones and Rich Keefe debated Thursday night whether it would be worthwhile for the Celtics to trade the 3rd overall pick to the 76ers for Okafor. Even if Okafor is the best available option for the Celtics, the guys think the team needs to use their assets to acquire a shooter, and that Okafor's style of play does not fit well in the current NBA.
Following up on rumors from the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett and comments from Bill Simmons on Toucher & Rich, Jones and Keefe wondered why the Celtics would get Okafor when, like Simmons himself said, the team needs shooters at the guard and small forward positions, and would be better served with a rim protector down low than an offensive-minded big man like Okafor.
"They need a shooter on this team. They've needed a shooter on this team for a year-plus," Jones said.
Keefe is fine with being high on Okafor - he is still just 20 years old with big upside - but if you're on board with him joining the Celtics, you're also on board with a long-term rebuild rather than looking to improve the Celtics immediately.
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