76ers' Brown won't play Okafor in garbage time 'out of respect' for him
Brett Brown has good intentions for not letting Jahlil Okafor play.
The Philadelphia 76ers coach didn't give in to fans who chanted "We want Okafor" while up 22 points with a minute remaining in Wednesday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The fans chant "We Want Okafor!" and Joel Embiid urges them on. pic.twitter.com/1DxXgGBcOC
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 23, 2017
Brown explained he didn't call Okafor's number because he respects him too much to unfairly throw him into a game with no time to get into a rhythm.
"To just hoist somebody a little tiny window of minutes isn't something that interests me," he told reporters following the 101-81 win. "I say that out of respect to him. I don't think that puts him in a position that I want to put him in."
As a result, Okafor picked up yet another DNP-CD. The 2015 No. 3 pick has only suited up twice this season, totaling 10 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in 25 minutes. He's not expected to remain in Philly much longer, as the club declined his fourth-year option and is reportedly exploring trades for him.
Related: Bulls, Hawks reportedly the likeliest landing spots for Okafor
The Sixers have received criticism over their treatment of the Duke product, namely from Isaiah Thomas and Klay Thompson's father.
The team's rolling with Joel Embiid and Amir Johnson at the five over Okafor.
- With h/t to The Philadelphia Inquirer