Maybe worth exploring that avenue. Wonder if hes been trying to get back to the NBA or even in shape these days?
Similar thing that happened to Dmo. He suffered a bad neck/back injury three seasons ago and no team has picked him up since.
I was thinking about him earlier today. Seems like every summer there's buzz about a comeback -- then nothing.
[ESPN - Jackie MacMullan - Aug 8, 2016] Emeka Okafor working out in hopes of returning to NBA, agent says "He's probably five or six months away,'' Schwartz said. "He's been working hard rehabbing. For some guys that means one thing. To Emeka, who understands his body as well or better than some trainers that have worked with him, it means something else. He's healthy. He feels great, but he's a perfectionist, and he wants everything to be right.''
Just going to point out... I posted about Meka in August and it was booted from GARM. So I was before my time?? LMAO http://bbs.clutchfans.net/index.php?threads/htowns-emeka-okafor-comeback.276839/
Emeka Okafor has been cleared to return to action, is working out and is determined to return to the NBA, I'm told. 1/ Okafor last played in 2012-13 with Washington, but was sidelined by a herniated disc in his neck. But he's been working out and is ready 2/ Okafor was still a big factor in his final season with the Wiz - 9.7 pts, 8.8 rebs in 26 mpg. He's already been in touch w/some teams 3/ Emeka Okafor will turn 35 in September, but after working out still feels like he has plenty left in the tank
Just what we need, another aging / injury prone backup center to play heavy minutes. I'd rather sign Nene
Nice find. Always liked Okafor who could play a Nene type role if healthy and with managed minutes. Emeka Okafor ready to attempt NBA comeback Emeka Okafor is finally healthy enough to play Emeka Okafor last played in an NBA game in 2013 for the Wizards. Ever since he's been battling a neck injury that has sidelined him for the majority of that time. He's been healthy for the last couple seasons, but he's been using the off time to work out and get himself in shape for an eventual comeback attempt. It appears that this summer will be Okafor's attempt at getting back into the NBA. According to Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press, Okafor has been cleared to play health-wise and is ready to try to return to the league. However, he will be 35 at the start of next season. When Okafor was still playing, he was an incredible rebounder and one of the NBA's better rim protecting bigs. He may have been 30 at the time of his injury, but Okafor was still one of the better defensive bigs the last time he played. While age and time away from the NBA are a concern, there's a large body of work that says Okafor is a good NBA player. The biggest concern with Okafor is how much time he's spent away from the league. The NBA has changed a lot since 2013 and he'll need to adjust to that as well as just getting used to NBA speed again. Add on his age and most teams are going to pick other bigs over him. However, for the vets minimum on a team willing to take a risk? Why not take a shot.
i saw him work out at uh once back in the day before his draft. looked huge (twss). most of the players in his draft class is out of the league ya? who would want to take a chance on an old broken machine?
For the minimum I'd sign him as well as Nene. Would lock up that C position. If Capela had to sit, those 2 can handle some games.
I'm probably in the minority, but I think Onuaku should get a shot before bringing in someone like Emeka.
Might be worth a chance, but probably not. The one good thing about him is that he was a shot blocker who used his standing reach (9'2.5") a bit more than blocking blindsides and all that. He might be worth looking at for a few years. Big men do last longer so 35 years of age isn't as scary.
With Maury at helm I feel I am always stuck in the shorter past. He will get his players 3 or 4 years after we could have needed them.
