Jahlil Okafor’s European experience did not last long. After 11 games in the Spanish championship with Zaragoza (11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds on average), the 3rd choice of the 2015 Draft decided to leave.
The 27-year-old interior had left the club a few days ago, due to interest from other teams.
“The boy is very good here”explained Porfirio Fisac, the Zaragoza coach. “If he leaves, for me, at this stage of his career, it’s a mistake. He has played 15 or 20 matches and he is in good physical condition. It’s true that he still has a lot of progress to make, but we can’t put more pressure on him in terms of pace. »
Victim a ruptured Achilles tendon A few months ago, Jahlil Okafor explained that he joined Zaragoza because the Iberian club had approached him despite his injury, trusting him when he was at his lowest.
“We take care of him. If he stays here, his career will be extended by ten years.” thus assured Porfirio Fisac. “If he goes elsewhere, he might play five years. It all depends on where the money is and whether you want to earn it today or later. Everyone has their own way of thinking. »
Obviously, Jahlil Okafor in the short term because Zaragoza has just announced that he will join the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions, in China, for whom he has already played and who made him a very big offer to bring him back. The Chinese club even paid its release clause to Zaragoza to complete the transfer.
As a reminder, it has now been more than two years since the interior last set foot on the NBA floors, following a final stint with the Pistons, after having worn the jersey of the Sixers, the Nets and the Pelicans.
