Fansided

Emeka Okafor rumors: Better served by signing midseason?

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit

There are plenty of teams looking for a veteran rim protector and Emeka Okafor could fill that role. However, Okafor’s injury concerns have kept him from being signed despite interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.

More from Cleveland Cavaliers

Cray Allred of Basketball Insiders believes Okafor may better served by waiting until midseason to sign.

"Okafor could end up with more options if he waits until midseason to look for a deal. In-season pickups earn prorated salaries, meaning a team without room to squeeze the big man under the tax line now could conceivably do so later in the season, when a minimum contract’s payout would shrink. As always, opportunities could open up for Okafor if any teams lose a frontcourt piece to injury. Teams currently unable to offer Okafor more than the minimum could gain that flexibility if granted a disabled player exception after a season-ending injury to one of their players."

Okafor played in every game during the 2012-2013 season but missed the entire 2012-2013 season, but did not play in a game last year. 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.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers