Although NBA scouts have lauded Jahlil Okafor's low-post moves and ability to dominate in the paint, some have mentioned the Chicago native's defense as an area needing improvement as he makes the leap to the professional ranks.
But one would be hard-pressed to find quicker reflexes or a cleaner rejection than Okafor's swat Thursday during an interview with Sports Illustrated's Maggie Gray.
Okafor denied SI writer Matt Dollinger's attempt at a mid-interview dunk as the former Duke big man spoke about the upcoming NBA draft. The 6-foot-11 center made his point known as he swatted Dollinger—who ended up on the floor beside him—and threw the ball at him for extra emphasis.
Of course, Dollinger took his tumble in jest as the video made the rounds on social media.
Rivaling the Washington Nationals' chocolate-sauce-dousing extravaganza as one of the newer interview gimmicks around, the mid-interview dunk has spread rapidly after it was introduced by the Miami Marlins' Dee Gordon following an extra-inning win in April.
Okafor has also had a chance to work on his offensive repertoire with the help of his new dog Natty.
The former Duke big man's love for dogs has been well-noted in the past and Okafor seems to be embracing his new furry companion. Although there was talk of the Chicago native possibly naming his new pet Stones—a nickname given to Tyus Jones after his clutch-shooting display against Wisconsin—, Okafor stuck to a name that embraced the national title he won in his only year in Durham.
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