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Emeka Okafor rumors: Okafor will ‘be in high demand’

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 would usually be a hot commodity because of his rim protection and rebounding but because it looks he is still not ready to play, he hasn’t drawn a lot of interest yet.

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According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Okafor will “be in high demand” once he gets healthy.

"Roughly half of the league, I’m told, has registered interest this summer in Okafor, despite the fact that the 31-year-old free agent lost the entire 2013-14 season while recovering from a serious neck ailment.The list of pursuers for the defensive-minded center, according to NBA front office sources, includes LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers as well as LeBron’s old friends in Miami.But I’m likewise told that Okafor is unlikely to sign anywhere until midseason as he continues to recover from his herniated disk.Said one source: “He’ll be in high demand when he’s back.”"

The Miami Heat are reportedly interested in Okafor and he has worked out for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Although Okafor missed the entire 2013-2014 season,he played in every game during 2012-2013 season, averaging 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. 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). In his career, he’s put up 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.

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