Rip City Project
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Portland Trail Blazers: Three ideal big men to replace Hassan Whiteside

By Stevie Cozens

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 31: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Denver Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 31: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Denver Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers big man option #2 – Jahlil Okafor

Ex-number three pick Jahlil Okafor could be a fascinating back up big option for the Blazers. Okafor’s career has never really panned out since the ‘ Process ‘ Philadelphia 76ers moved on from him after just 105 games.

Okafor is a robust offensive center who is coming off a two-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. Though he only played 15 minutes a game this season as a backup, he was very efficient. He averaged 59.7 percent from the field in his two seasons with the Pelicans.

Okafor has improved his finishing at the rim each season, hitting a career-high this year at 74 percent. He has always been great at drawing shooting fouls as well.

Though Okafor isn’t a great defender, he is a decent rim protector and moves well for his six-foot-ten, 270-pound frame.

Okafor hasn’t been in a good team situation in his five-year NBA career. He was in a transitioning Brooklyn Nets team for 26 games before joining the Pelicans, where Anthony Davis was awaiting a trade.

Though fans probably consider him a bust, Okafor could still have some life left as a project. He is only 24 and has the physical tools to be an instant offense guy. If he can get into great shape, he can protect the rim well. At the same time, his passing has improved over the last year or two.

He needs to learn to make better decisions with the ball in his hands, if he can do that, he may stick on an NBA roster.

I wouldn’t commit any more than the veteran’s minimum to him, but at just $2 million a year, it would be a low-risk move. Okafor was the number three pick for a reason; maybe the Blazers superior team culture and development can revive his career.