In the wake of Jahlil Okafor's rumored departure from Zaragoza, the Spanish team's head coach Porfirio Fisac said that if the player leaves, it will be a mistake for his career.
Casademont Zaragoza are going through some tough times.
The Aragonese club presents a feeble 3-7 record in the ACB league, occupying one of the bottom positions in the table. However, another negative development might befall them, as they might lose Jahlil Okafor sooner rather than later due to interest from other teams.
The American big man spoke to Heraldo de Aragon, where he left his future up in the air.
"I am focused on Casademont Zaragoza and I am going to give my best to win many games and achieve great results. But this is also a business and I will decide what's best for me," Okafor said.
The former no. 3 overall pick tore his Achilles last year and spent long months rehabbing his injury. When no NBA team wanted to risk taking him, Okafor received an offer from the other side of the Atlantic. But now a Chinese team, the Zhejiang Lions, are offering him a lucrative deal that the player's side is still scrutinizing.
Head coach Porfirio Fisac indicated that neither the club nor he wants Okafor to leave but added that it's the financial part that always has the last say.
"These are things that are there, in the market," Fisac told the media.
"I don't have information about the club. Yes, I have spoken with the player and I have my information, because Jahlil is an extraordinary person. I know more or less what can happen, but I have to respect what he tells me every day. It would mean that wed' have to start over, and neither the club nor I want that," the Spanish tactician pointed out.
Fisac added that given the magnitude of the offer Okafor has received, there's little Zaragoza can do to keep him.
"The boy is fine here," he clarified.
"If he leaves, for me right now in his career, it's a mistake. I think he'd be mistaken. He's played 15 or 20 games and is in good physical condition. It is true that he still has a lot to improve, but we cannot put more pressure on him in terms of changes of pace and efforts," Fisac said.
"We are taking care of him. If he stays here, his career will be extended by 10 years. If he goes somewhere else, he will play 5 more years. It all depends on where the money is or whether you want to earn it today or later. Everyone has their own way of thinking."
