NBA Rookie Rankings: Coming down the homestretch

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
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Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic
Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA;Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jahlil Okafor

Previous Rank: 3

Jahlil Okafor is now out for the year after surgery to repair a torn meniscus. With his season over, he has basically been all he was promised to be offensively while proving equally as frustrating on the defensive end often.

Okafor still has an array of post moves and skills that take years for most big men to incorporate into their games, and he has a soft touch and feel around the basket that cannot be taught at all. He is an the anchor to an offense, but it has to be wondered if he is not out-of-place in this newfound era of NBA basketball.

Okafor is a strong back to the basket player, but will he always be the focus of an offense when the ball tends to linger much more on the perimeter?

Either way, his talent is undeniable and he is a guy who should draw double teams for the next decade.

Next: The Late Breakout