Philadelphia 76ers: Trevor Booker will provide a toughness that’s been lacking
The Philadelphia 76ers finally found a suitor for the disgruntled Jahlil Okafor. In a big move Thursday afternoon, the 76ers traded Okafor, Nik Stauskas, and a 2nd round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Trevor Booker. Looking in, the trade will benefit both teams, not only this season but going forward. Okafor still has the potential to be a double-double guy and Booker will bring a toughness to a young 76ers squad who desperately needs it.
Now, the 76ers can focus back on winning basketball games with the elephant out of the room.
While this move may not sit well with some Sixers fans, they must take a moment and familiarize themselves with Booker. During his career, Booker has spent the majority of his years as a backup with averages of 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per, but it’s been his play while in Brooklyn that has turned heads. Last season, Booker averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds but did so in only 24 minutes of action.
[MarkAds]With the Sixers set with Dario Saric as their starting power forward, Booker arrival gives them a valuable bench player who can produce and help lead a struggling second unit. And, what makes this deal better is that the Sixers didn’t have to give up anything that will hinder their growth this year. Okafor has played only 12 minutes and Stauskas has played in only 6 games. So, what exactly are the Sixers giving up?
BREAKING: #Nets trade for Jahlil Okafor in package deal with 76ers https://t.co/1TlqyeZu3K
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 7, 2017
Yes, Okafor was once the prized possession of the team but he has fallen out of the rotation thanks to Joel Embiid, Saric, Robert Covington, and Richaun Holmes. While some fans will hate to see Okafor go, his departure opens the door for many possibilities for the team moving forward with their rebuild.
As the Sixers continue their climb back to respectability, this was the kind of move that other teams take notice of. The Sixers have officially placed themselves in the race for a playoff berth by flushing their past down the toilet.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
