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Emeka Okafor rumors: Okafor to explore options in January?

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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Veteran big man Emeka Okafor could wind up being a hot commodity as contenders look to add a presence in the middle but Okafor won’t be healthy for training camp and may not play until the new year.

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According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Okafor will likely explore his options in January.

"Okafor might be the most proven center on the board, however he is still rehabbing from a disc injury that claimed his season last year.Word is Okafor has made a ton of progress, but isn’t ready physically for training camp. He is expected to explore options in January once he’s a little further down the road.Okafor is unlikely to be in camp with anyone, but it does seem like he wants to play this season, the question is which team lands him and how much will he cost?"

Although he has an extensive injury history, Okafor could be a real help defensively and on the boards provided he is a healthy and a team utilizes him property by limiting his minutes and perhaps even how many games he plays in.

Okafor did not miss a game during the 2012-2013 season but 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)

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

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