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*Photo via Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers have given the reigns to Jahlil Okafor as the number one scoring option. During their first two games of the season, Okafor led the team in shots taken with a combined 28. Okafor is a low post presence that the Sixers haven't had in a long time, and it may take some time for the Sixers to get acclimated, but it is something they are going to have to do if they want to be successful in the future.
Isaiah Canaan, point guard for the Sixers, has 7 turnovers in just two games played so far, including four of the 18 turnovers they had last night. To eliminate the problem, the Sixers should dump the ball into the post quicker instead of leaving it in Canaan's hands. That way, he can play off the ball more and shoot a better three point percentage (currently at 32 percent for the season).
Probably the person most affected by Okafor so far is Nerlens Noel. Noel was the number one scoring option last season, and he will have to adjust the most to his secondary role. He has struggled so far, shooting 7 for 25 during these first two games. The Sixers are going to have to adjust by posting Okafor in a position that will enable a double team thereby freeing up Noel to get some easy baskets. It will take some time, especially because Okafor does tend to turn the ball over out of the post, but in the long run, Noel will adjust and be a better player because of Okafor.
*Photo via CSSNE
Those two players have been affected the most as of right now, but the whole team will need to adjust. They are used to playing a faster pace of basketball, and now they have to slow down the tempo and get the ball to their most talented player in the post. They are going to have to knock down more shots as they are shooting a dismal 35 percent as a team. The Sixers don't have many pure shooters, so they are going to need to slash to the basket and set a lot of screens off the ball.
It has only been two games of the season so far, so expect the Sixers to adjust. Brett Brown is terrific coach who will finad a way to make it work. Okafor is a great talent with a high ceiling, and the Sixers are going to have to play around him. They will get it together and the Sixers will be a more competitive team.