NBA Player Jahlil Okafor to Secure 10-Day Deal with Indiana Pacers Team
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers have inked a 10-day deal with center Jahlil Okafor, as per numerous reports floating around. This agreement comes just a few days after the Pacers initially aimed to secure the services of center Alex Len, but that transaction no longer seems to be on the table despite Len clearing waivers on Monday.
Okafor, 29, has gone 3.5 years without stepping foot in an NBA regular-season game since his May 2021 appearance with the Detroit Pistons. Before the 2021-22 season, he logged two preseason appearances with the Atlanta Hawks. His previous NBA action was marred by a torn Achilles injury and overseas stints, as well as time in the G League.
The most recent basketball court Okafor graced was that of the Indiana Mad Ants, the Pacers' affiliate franchise. Okafor boasts some familiarity with the organization and has been working tirelessly to regain his footing in the NBA.
"I simply wanted to put myself in the best possible situation to get a chance to rejoin the NBA," the Chicago native said of his decision to play in the G League for a second time. "Based on what I've witnessed, this is my 10th year as a professional. I know that signing in the G League is one of the best routes back to the NBA."
The Value Okafor Brings to the Pacers
With 247 NBA games under his belt, Okafor has a rich background of experience in the league, having played for four different teams, and finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2016. He established himself as a promising post presence, focusing mainly on work in the paint.
As the NBA evolved, Okafor failed to keep up at first. His basketball game focused on the interior, taking just 15 three-point shots in his first four seasons. The role of a big man in today’s elite basketball landscape requires versatility and proficiency beyond the arc. The realization that he had to adapt was essential to his comeback in the NBA.
Now, Okafor is embracing change, working on his jump shot, honing his mobility, and shedding some weight. While he's still got a ways to go, his progress and modernization are evident, helping him secure another chance in the NBA.
"It changed pretty much right when I got in," Okafor said of the shifting trends in the NBA. "I've sought to maintain what I do well while venturing outside of that."
Okafor attempts one three-point shot per game with the Mad Ants this season, hitting just 27.6% of them. But his volume of attempts and improved passing skills – with an average of 3.1 assists per game – remain encouraging signs of his steadfast efforts to stay current and thrive in today's NBA.
In certain games, he's looked dominant, while in others, he's struggled. The pattern is familiar for many throwback bigs. However, at his best, Okafor’s ability to dominate in the paint helps his team, and his return to the NBA is on the horizon.
"He's so impressive on the post, with an old-school game. Whenever we throw it to him, we know it's likely going to be a bucket," Mad Ants wing Kyle Mangas shared. "He's becomes a great resource for young players learning the game."
The Pacers seek a reliable center. Starter Myles Turner is currently sidelined with a neck injury, leaving backup Thomas Bryant and forward Obi Toppin to shoulder the load. The Pacers' center rotation has been decimated by injuries, and they require more depth in the paint.
That's why they pursued Len and why they quickly switched gears to Okafor. The 10-day contract offers the Pacers flexibility in case Turner remains unavailable, and it provides them with the opportunity to reassess their options by the end of the deal.
10-day contracts are typically agreements that last for 10 days. However, if the Pacers don't play as many games within that window, the contract covers 3 games instead. As the Pacers only have two games before the All-Star break, Okafor’s contract will run through their game on February 20 against Memphis.
Okafor is averaging 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for the Mad Ants this season. During his stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, Okafor shared the court with current Pacers guard T.J. McConnell.
"I believe when both of us entered the league, the league was transitioning into what it is now. Back-to-the-basket bigs weren't necessarily obsolete, but there was a need for versatile players," McConnell shared of Okafor. "For him to realize that and work on his game speaks volumes about him as a player, and his progress has been remarkable."
Okafor's signing is likely a minimum salary deal prorated for the allotted 10 day period, keeping the Pacers under the luxury tax threshold. With Okafor's inking, the Pacers' roster is now complete.
Okafor's recent stint with the Indiana Mad Ants, the Pacers' affiliate team, has shown his determination to return to the NBA. His experience in the league, with 247 games under his belt and a fifth place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, could provide valuable depth for the Pacers, who have been struggling with injuries in their center rotation. The Pacers, currently without starter Myles Turner, signed Okafor to a 10-day contract, offering them flexibility amid Turner's absence and allowing them to reassess their options before the end of the deal.
