The ongoing Jahlil Okafor saga in Philadelphia has taken the shine off what has been a promising season thus far for the Sixers. Okafor remains rooted to the bench as he continues to await the move he’s been clamoring for.

However, the lack of playing time hasn’t robbed Okafor of his work ethic. He’s still working out and staying in shape, getting ready for any possible move. Okafor's mindset has garnered the praise of Sixers head coach Brett Brown, who applauds how the big man has managed to remain motivated despite his messy situation.

“I have … respect [for] how he handles his situation,” Brown said per the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. “So, you are just always communicating with him. You are telling him your thoughts and … at the end of the day, help[ing] Jahlil.

“He’s knows at any moment somebody can say, ‘You’ve been traded to this team.’ You get on a plane and play 25 minutes,” Brown said. “There’s an appropriate fear that you need to have.”

While that potential trade still feels like it’s some time away, Okafor rightly deserves to be commended for his professionalism throughout this ordeal. Hopefully, his situation finally gets resolved soon and he can put all the work he’s been putting in to good use on the court.