NBA: Top 5 Rookie of the Year Candidates Entering the 2015-16

Oct 6, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles as

Washington Wizards center

(13) defends during the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers

6-foot-11, 271 lbs

Duke University 

In every way, Jahlil Okafor is the prohibitive favorite to win this award – period. He is on a terrible team and seems poised to post some fantastic stats. Plus, as we all know, team success does not factor in whatsoever into the Rookie of the Year award. Cough cough Michael Carter-Williams.

The big man is surprisingly nimble and is a complete throwback post presence. He has a various arsenal of post moves and will be the sole focus of the Sixers offense. Because, let’s face it, the Sixers don’t have a lot of choices.

He will be a double-double threat every night and that is why many people are all choosing him as the best rookie out there. His game is not without some concerns, though.

He is an atrociously bad free throw shooter who is a complete liability on the defensive end of the court. Yes, Nerlens Noel will cover that somewhat but Okafor will hit some unforeseen roadblocks. Hey who knows, if he plays so well the team actually starts to win maybe Sam Hinkie will sit him to continue the tanking strategy.

For now, it is my bold strategy to predict someone else as the rookie of the year. I could very well be wrong but Okafor is not an absolute lock as the rookie of the year. My bet is he has an excellent rookie season by narrowly misses winning the award.

Next: No. 1