Jahlil Okafor the Duke basketball national champion is too talented for the G League.
In the Indiana Mad Ants’ 119-107 victory over the Windy City Bulls on Sunday afternoon, former Duke basketball standout Jahlil Okafor put on an impressive performance, continuing his bid for a return to the NBA. Before the game, Okafor had been putting up solid numbers in his G League campaign, averaging 17.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over the first 12 games of the season. But against the Bulls, featuring DJ Steward, a former Duke one-and-done player and current Chicago Bulls two-way guard, Okafor exceeded those numbers across the board. He finished the game with 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and one block, all in just 23 minutes of play. His efficiency was exceptional, going 9-for-13 from the field, 1-for-1 from beyond the arc, and 2-for-3 at the free-throw line.
Steward, who is in his first season on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls but has yet to make his NBA debut, contributed 18 points and 12 assists for the Windy City Bulls (who now have a 4-10 record) in the loss. Meanwhile, Okafor and the Mad Ants (now 5-9), the G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, enjoyed a hard-fought victory. Okafor, a native of Chicago, has been a consistent scorer all season, managing to score at least 12 points in every game except for his season opener on November 9.
Standing at 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 270 pounds, Okafor was selected as the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft after a standout freshman year at Duke, where he played a key role in helping the Blue Devils secure their fifth and final national championship under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Despite his promising start in the NBA, Okafor has not appeared in an NBA game since the 2020-21 season. Over the course of his career, he averaged 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds across 247 regular-season appearances, but after struggling to find a long-term fit with any team, he has spent the last few seasons out of the league, trying to prove himself once again on the G League stage.
Okafor’s current journey with the Mad Ants is an attempt to reignite his career and catch the attention of NBA teams looking for a veteran presence in the frontcourt. His performance against Windy City was a clear indication that he still possesses the skills and potential to play at the highest level, with his size, skill set, and ability to produce in key moments standing out. The game also highlighted Okafor’s versatility, as he contributed not only as a scorer but also as a facilitator, showcasing his ability to help create opportunities for his teammates.
The matchup between Okafor and Steward was also notable for the connection between the two players, both having played at Duke, though they never shared the court together. Okafor, a dominant force during his one season in Durham, and Steward, a recent one-and-done player who had a promising college career, found themselves on opposite sides in this G League showdown. For Steward, the game was a chance to showcase his talents and prove that he can excel at the professional level, even if he’s still waiting for his NBA debut.
For Okafor, the game was another step toward his goal of returning to the NBA. His performances this season have shown that he still has the ability to dominate in the paint, rebound at a high level, and provide scoring when needed. His ability to stretch the floor with his occasional three-point shooting also adds a dimension to his game that makes him a more attractive option for NBA teams looking for a well-rounded big man. Despite his relatively short playing time on Sunday, Okafor’s efficient scoring and all-around contributions were a reminder of the potential he brings to the table.
As the season progresses, Okafor’s continued growth and consistency will be crucial in determining whether he can earn another shot at the NBA. His experience in the league, combined with his ability to still put up impressive numbers in the G League, makes him a player worth keeping an eye on. Whether it’s as a depth piece on an NBA roster or in a more significant role, Okafor’s goal of reclaiming his spot in the league remains a possibility, especially if he continues to perform at the level he displayed against the Windy City Bulls.
In the larger context, Okafor’s journey reflects the challenges faced by many players who find themselves out of the NBA but still have the talent and desire to play at the highest level. The G League has become a crucial platform for these players to showcase their skills and keep their careers alive while they wait for the right opportunity. For Okafor, this season could be the turning point in his career, as he seeks to remind NBA teams that he is still capable of contributing in a meaningful way.
As he works toward his goal of returning to the NBA, Okafor’s story is a testament to perseverance and determination. His time away from the league hasn’t diminished his skill set, and with each game, he proves that he has what it takes to succeed at the professional level. The road to the NBA can be long and filled with setbacks, but for players like Okafor, the dream of returning to the league is still very much alive.
Moving forward, Okafor will need to maintain his strong performances and continue to stay in top shape if he hopes to earn another shot at the NBA. While his time in the G League has been productive, the ultimate goal remains to make an impact on an NBA roster. Okafor’s experience, combined with his undeniable talent, makes him a player who can still contribute to an NBA team, and his performances in the G League this season could be the key to unlocking that opportunity. The next steps in Okafor’s journey will be closely watched, as many are eager to see if the former top draft pick can make his long-awaited return to the NBA.
