The [Detroit Pistons](https://detroitjockcity.com/former-pistons-forward-announces-retirement-ahead-nba-free-agency-01jz0wpdf66j) have emerged from their long playoff drought and look more like a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference rather than one of the league's annual draft lottery darlings.
While those days of losses stacking up are, hopefully, behind the franchise, several players from that era are still playing professionally in the NBA and throughout the world. One recent member of the franchise has found himself on the move yet again, and this time he won't be going from one city to another.
Instead, he is going from one country to another and is landing with a franchise that has not enjoyed much success.
Failed Pistons Big Man Jahlil Okafor Not Returning to NBA Anytime Soon
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At one point, Jahlil Okafor was considered one of the game's next great big men, as he was selected with the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. As Detroit fans know, Okafor's career did not turn out to be anything like what the projections foretold.
In fact, before making a one-game appearance for the Indiana Pacers this past season, the former Duke Blue Devils standout last appeared in an NBA game during the 2020-21 season as a member of the Pistons. His last name was the most memorable aspect of that stint, though, as Okafor made 27 appearances, including two starts, averaging 5.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game.
Now, Okafor is on the move again, and he is heading somewhere he never thought the game of basketball would lead him. According to Pacers beat reporter Scott Agness, Okafor has agreed to sign with Levanga Hokkaido of the B.League in Japan.
> Former Mad Ants center Jahlil Okafor has signed with Levanga Hokkaido in Japan for the 2025-26 season.
>
> — Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) [July 7, 2025](https://twitter.com/ScottAgness/status/1942216236818899193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
This isn't the absolute last chance Okafor has to make something of his professional basketball career, as there are far worse leagues overseas than the B.League in Japan. At the same time, it is a far cry from the NBA.
At this point, Pistons fans are better off hoping he finds peace in his basketball journey, wherever that takes him from here, as an NBA comeback is all but off the table.
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