By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia 76ers dealt former third overall pick Jahlil Okafor to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, spelling the end to a relationship that many believe could have ended last season. Whether you enjoyed watching Okafor or not, his professionalism throughout the big man logjam to being taken out of the rotation has to be recognized. He didn’t complain, did what he could to stay in playing shape and remained a supportive teammate on the bench night in and night out.
With Jah now departed, most fans hope he has an opportunity to succeed, as they should. His defensive issues and speed are two of the main reasons he didn’t get minutes with the Sixers, but he’ll have a chance to potentially start for the Nets in Brooklyn as the season progresses. During his rookie year, Okafor showed his offensive ability in the post and hopefully he regains that level of play as he begins the next stage of his career. His first game with the Nets will likely be on Tuesday against the Wizards.
Okafor maintained his professionalism after the trade, taking time on Sunday night to thank the Philadelphia fans and the Sixers organization for the last two plus on Instagram. One of the most notable parts of his post is mentioning how the city and fans deserve what the Process has created after the years of losing.
The Sixers also sent Nik Stauskas and a future second-round pick the Brooklyn in the trade. Philadelphia received veteran forward Trevor Booker in return and in his two games as a Sixer, he’s compiled 18 points (9-15 FG), 17 rebounds, two blocks and two assists.
Best of luck in Brooklyn, Jah! We’ll see you on January 31.
