It’s one thing to be a supportive parent, and it’s another to be delusional. Speaking optimistically, Chukwudi Okafor, the father of star Duke University recruit Jahlil Okafor, may be somewhere in between.
The elder Okafor told TMZ Sports, with confidence, “Jahlil is the best player to ever come out of Chicago. My son’s absolutely the most decorated player ever from the city.”
Granted, the soon-to-be NBA player is a NCAA Champion, 1st team All-American, three-time FIBA Gold Medalist, and then some. But, at just 19-years-old, how can he truly compare to the Windy City’s rich history of quality ballers.
That said, Hip-Hop Wired lists 10 Chicago basketball players who are better than Okafor.
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Photo: YouTube
Isaiah Thomas
“Zeke” had polished skill, finessed, and a quality that cannot be taught: heart. That’s why he’s a legend.
Derrick Rose
All eyes have been on Rose since his days playing for Simeon High School. After having a successful career at Memphis (with a struggle ending), he’s dazzled NBA fans with his blinding speed and finesse. Let’s hope he can finally get healthy, though.
Tim Hardaway
Hardaway left ankles decimated as he drove to the cup.
Maurice Cheeks
Mo Cheeks had locks, meaning you had a fat chance at scoring too many buckets on him. Word to his NBA Championship as a Philadelphia 76er and NBA All-Defensive First Team run from 1983-1986.
Anthony Davis
Affectionately known as “The Brow,” Davis has exceeded expectations since he was drafted first by the then New Orleans Hornets back in 2012.
Doc Rivers
Younger NBA heads know Doc for coaching the Boston Celtics to a 2008 NBA Championship and his current gig with the Los Angeles Clippers. But during his heyday, he assisted Dominique Wilkins as an Atlanta Hawk at both ends of the floor.
Dwyane Wade
D-Wade ability to get busy on the parquet shows whenever he steps foot on the floor (when he’s healthy, of course). His three NBA championship rings help, too.
George Mikan
Born in Joliet, Ill., Mikan spent his formative years as a baller in the big city. He would later win two National Basketball League championships (he played pre-NBA) and plenty of other accolades, including a spot on the NBA 50 Greatest Players list (1996).
Mark Aguirre
Aguirre, a two-time NBA champion, was a fierce competitor who could get buckets at will or defend the best player on the team.
Candace Parker
No prefacing statement is needed when discussing Parker’s skills on the court. She nabbed two NCAA women’s titles as a Tennessee Lady Vol and has attained essentially every coveted accolade at her position in the WNBA, with exception to a championship.
Benjamin “Benji” Wilson Jr.,
The late Benji Wilson was gunned down in 1984, ending the hoops career of a player many considered a GOAT in the making. Today, his name, along with the likes of Len Bias and Hank Gather, are among basketball’s folklore of what should have been.
