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Miami Heat rumors: Heat prefer to sign Emeka Okafor

By Andrew Melnick

Jan 30, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards center Emeka Okafor (50) celebrates scoring during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards center Emeka Okafor (50) celebrates scoring during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a busy offseason, the Miami Heat are looking to finish things up by adding a veteran big man. They have had their eyes on Andray Blatche, Ekpe Udoh, Emeka Okafor, Jason Maxiel and most recently, Nazr Mohammed.

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Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reports the Heat prefer Okafor to other free agent options.

"The Heat, looking to add another veteran backup center, summoned 6-11 Nazr Mohammed, 34, for a workout and meeting with team executives on Thursday. Mohammed, who has career averages of 5.9 points and 4.8 rebounds, played in 80 games for the Bulls last season.Among free agent centers, the Heat is most intrigued by Emeka Okafor. But ESPN said he might not play until midseason because of a herniated disk. The Heat also has inquired about 6-11 free agent center Andray Blatche, who has a home here."

Although he played in every game during 2012-2013 season, Okafor missed the entire 2013-2014 season and teams aren’t sure when he will be ready. During the 2012-2013 season, he went for 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 57.1% from the free throw line. In his career, he’s averaged 12.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 51.2% from the field and 58.4% from the charity stripe. Okafor was selected with the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats (Hornets). He played for the Suns (he’s never appeared in a game), Bobcats and New Orleans Hornets (Pelicans)

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