Jahlil Okafor’s latest NBA opportunity is long overdue

When Jahlil Okafor checked into the Indiana Pacers’ 128-115 loss to the New York Knicks on Tuesday, it marked his first NBA minutes since 2021— a moment that once seemed unlikely, and long overdue.

The 29-year-old center played just three minutes, recording one rebound and one assist, but his return to an NBA court was a testament to perseverance.

A highly touted prospect out of Duke, Okafor was selected third overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. As a rookie, the 6-foot-10 center looked the part of a future star, but injuries, off-court issues and an evolving NBA landscape that de-emphasized traditional post-play soon derailed his career.

After stints with the Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons, Okafor found himself out of the league by 2021. He later admitted to losing his passion for the game.

Seeking a fresh start, he signed with the Zhejiang Lions in China, where he unexpectedly rediscovered his love for the sport.

"While I was in China, that's where the love of the NBA came back for me. Because once I got out of Philly, I didn't like watch any NBA. I just didn't want anything to do with it," Okafor explained on Theo Pinson’s "Run Your Race" podcast in an October appearance. "When I went to China, that itch came back to want to watch NBA games again. Like 'oh, I miss this.' After China, that's why I ended up doing the G League."

Determined to make his way back, Okafor joined the G League’s Mexico City Capitanes for the 2022-23 season, impressing with averages of 20.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting an efficient 69.5 percent from the field. An NBA return seemed within reach — until an Achilles injury sidelined him for nine months.

After a grueling recovery, he spent time in Spain and Puerto Rico before giving the G League another shot in 2024-25, signing with the Indiana Mad Ants. 

This time, he stayed healthy, appearing in 15 games and averaging 18.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. On Nov. 22, he delivered a standout performance against the Sioux Falls Skyforce, posting a season-high 25 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.

His persistence paid off, as the Pacers recently signed him to a 10-day contract ahead of the All-Star break, making him the 36th G League call-up this season. Indiana needed frontcourt depth with Myles Turner injured and a potential deal for Alex Len falling through.

Head coach Rick Carlisle praised Okafor’s commitment, saying, "He’s shown loyalty to us, and we’re showing loyalty in return — which is great."

Though his role with the Pacers remains uncertain, simply stepping back onto an NBA floor is a victory. After years of setbacks, Jahlil Okafor has finally made it back.