Since getting traded to the Brooklyn Nets in early December, Jahlil Okafor hasn’t seen the floor very often.In fact, he appeared in just one game for his new club back on December 15, when he had 10 points and four rebounds over 22 minutes in a lopsided loss to the Toronto Raptors.After that, the team made it very clear that he would be held out of action until he could improve his conditioning — something that is absolutely crucial in Brooklyn’s run-and-gun offensive system.While the Nets are rebuilding, 2018 should still be an exciting time for their fans.D’Angelo Russell is progressing from his knee surgery and should return in the near future. Guys like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Spencer Dinwiddie have emerged as legitimate NBA starters in Russell’s absence. Okafor is just 22 years old and should be a major part of the squad for at least the rest of this year and potentially beyond it.

Luckily, Okafor will start to receive minutes very soon.

“He’s close. I’d expect to see him against Minnesota,” coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters before the Magic game. “I think we’ll start to get him some minutes. He’s been doing a phenomenal job getting ready physically with our assistant coaches learning what we’re doing. Collectively we feel like he’s ready to get some minutes.”

As expected, he will be eased into action, likely sharing minutes with current starter Tyler Zeller and rookie Jarrett Allen. It also appears as though he has been working on a perimeter shot, which could make him even more dynamic on the offensive side of the ball.

“It’s not going to be 48 minutes right off the bat,” Atkinson explained. “We’ll build him up and evaluate where he is physically and game-wise. Like anybody, you’ve got to earn it with play. Let’s see it in small doses and hopefully build him up to bigger minutes.”

It’s worth noting that every single Nets player averages under 30 minutes per game this season. Therefore, there’s no reason to assume that Okafor will get over that benchmark. However, given his offensive skills in the low post, there’s no reason why he won’t be able to make a profound impact down low.

Brooklyn enjoyed a narrow win over the Orlando Magic on Monday and will play seven of their next nine contests in front of their home fans. Therefore, Okafor will likely be encouraged even more by the cheering crowd, who will undoubtedly hoping and praying that he becomes the player that he was originally projected to be.