The Philadelphia 76ers have a crowded frontcourt, and the only way Jahlil Okafor can make room for himself is by slimming down. Fortunately, the former No. 3 pick has dropped 20 pounds prior to training camp, according to CSN Philadelphia’s Jessica Camerato.
Caught up with Jahlil Okafor today at Sixers Shore Tour. He's down to 258 pounds. Last season he entered training camp at 278 pounds.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoCSN) August 25, 2017
And apparently he’s gotten healthier by going “mostly vegan.”
Okafor has been following a "mostly vegan" diet. No dairy, will sometimes eat fish. His uncle cooks a vegan meal for him each morning.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoCSN) August 25, 2017
Okafor’s game had problems other than his weight. His defense was generally awful, and sometimes he took entire possessions off, a la DeMarcus Cousins.
Okafor earned an All-Rookie First Team selection two years ago for the Sixers, averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. But he regressed after tearing his meniscus at the end of his rookie season. Last year, he faced more knee issues, ending his season early. Okafor is still the Sixers’ third-string center behind Joel Embiid and Richaun Holmes, but he still has some potential if he continues to get healthier.
Remember, he’s only 21 years old. There have also been trade rumors for a long time, and a fresh start with a new franchise could be exactly what Okafor needs.
But none of that will matter if he doesn’t get more locked in on the court.
[h/t Larry Brown Sports]
