Jahlil Okafor, Center
Not playing a ton of minutes after starting nine games for the New Orleans Pelicans, Jahlil Okafor is running out of time to make an impact in his current situation.
Averaging 15.1 minutes in 28 appearances this season, Okafor posts 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per contest while shooting 61.1% from the floor.
Coming into the season, it seemed like the writing was already on the wall for Okafor.
Even in training camp, it seemed like the combination of Jaxson Hayes and Favors left little room for a fit from Okafor, who is on a minimum salary and would be an easy cut for the team if they felt it was nessacary.
Though he survived preseason cuts and had a handful of nice games this season, there just doesn’t seem to be much of a role for Okafor on the Pelicans unless he really starts to give them impact in his very limited minutes.
The team has increased its usage of small ball lineups with Zion Williamson back in the mix, using Nicolò Melli as the impromptu center. Melli, of course, is a much better perimeter player than Okafor and is much more effective when switching onto quicker offensive players.
Lacking the defensive prowess of players who’ve been able to hang in NBA rotations like Dwight Howard, the Pelicans are -13.3 with Okafor in their rotations.
Though his +0.5 defensive box plus/minus is the best of his career so far, his effort still hasn’t been good enough for the Pels.
On an expiring deal, it’s hard to imagine Okafor will be back with the New Orleans Pelicans next season unless he can make a dramatic turnaround in the next couple of weeks.