Looks like the Philadelphia 76ers’ front office didn’t just happen to pick Jahlil Okafor over Kristaps Porzingis in last summer’s Draft—they were adamant about acquiring one of the three biggest names: Karl-Anthony Towns, Okafor, or D’Angelo Russell.
From Marc Berman of the New York Post:
Sources have indicated Philly ownership was gung-ho to take one of the Big 3 — Karl-Anthony Towns, Jahlil Okafor or D’Angelo Russell — because taking another unknown European project may not have sat well with a disenchanted fan base.
And, as Pro Basketball Talk notes:
Who knows whether Hinkie would’ve drafted Porzingis anyway? Porzingis reportedly wouldn’t even interview with Hinkie. Plus, consensus opinion rated Towns (No. 1 to the Timberwolves), Russell (No. 2 to the Lakers) and Okafor (No. 3 to the 76ers) ahead of everyone else.
