Well he's better than DeAndre Jordan and look how much he got signed for. He is really underrated because of his contract and because he isn't a flashy player who can dunk over a car...also probably because he is only 6'9 6'10, But the truth is he is an above average defensive center who does the dirty work and isn't that what the rockets wan't and need? On top of that Houston is his home town im sure he would be happy here. I wouldn't mind having him at all if we can get him cheap, say thabeet and one of are young players and or a pick.
Don't know why some of you think it's such a terrible contract. 3 years left, $40.5 million total. Just about fair price for a competent center who can defend the paint. If Tyson Chandler is woth 4 years $58 mil, surely Okafor is worthi his money? Not that Okafor is a perfect player: a bit undersized, kind of stiff in his moves, probably need to pair him with someone with a bit more offensive skills and shooting range so as to not clog upthe lane... but you don't need "perfect" just "effective" would be good. I don't think he has a great contract, but he's correctly paid (not over, not under, just right). If New Orleans really wants to save money, get rid of his contract, and get some younger talent or picks in return, I'd definitely go after him and give them say, Lee + expiring deals + NY's first round pick. Would prefer Nene, but who knows what Nene is thinking. Okafor would not be a bad option, not at all. And isn't he from Houston, too?
Okafor's the kind of piece you like if you already have an established, multi-watt superstar(s). The kind of "complementary" piece that would get a great team over the hump---the kind of piece we seem to be accumulating on a routine basis. As it is, I wouldn't object, but it just reinforces how sad it is that the Rockets' one shot at a superstar that could drive all these complementary pieces together was denied. I guess Detroit is the roadmap.
I don't know if people here care about that anymore. I still do. # Emeka Okafor, Houston Bellaire - Center
i agree...don't this it's terrible contract and he does the things we need bad! Plus, I hear people on this board praise what the Clippers did in signing DeAndre Jordan! What!? Overrated...Give me Okafor any day. Plus the last year of his contract is an asset
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eQjY3M-X3h0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ei1Kly6yQyI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JOs5uArTr-k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> j/k. i know everybody gets dunked on. personality wise, Meka is the perfect fit in houston.
As much as I'd like it, Stern would want eleventy billion dollars, 3/4 of our roster & the San Jacinto monument for him. And Andre Johnson.
If we're getting Paul, then we can send Lowry. I would rather we keep either Lee or Martin* if we sent the house to get Okafor and Paul. Paul Martin or Lee Parsons (?) Patterson Okafor That's a pretty good lineup, we bring over Motiejuanas and get a decent 3 who can defend and make open shots, we'd be set. *Lee is cheaper and could leave the door open to sign other FAs, but Martin is the better player and would greatly benefit from playing with Paul
HOU sends: H. Thabeet T. Williams G. Dragic C. Budinger J. Lin HOU Receives: E. Okafor While, simultaneously... HOU sends: TPE, 2nd round pick HOU receives... Wait for it... T. Ariza Lowry / Flynn Martin / Lee Ariza / Morris Scola / Patterson Okafor
Yeah, some people do care about such things. It's kind of a throwback attitude in the modern sports world, but to me it's a big part of what the spirit of sports is about at the basic level (as in following and rooting for true local talent).
I think Scola would be a good compliment to him (more the other way around, actually), using your scenario. God, he's an awful freethrow shooter, though, and that contract! Still, we're getting desperate for a proven center, and he is that.
Okafor is underrated here. I wager the Rockets could have been the 5 seed with him last year. Don't know if it's an option, but both he and Nene would be very nice. It would seem that it wouldn't cost Martin/Scola either, like Gasol would have. Maybe just Scola. Since he's 29 and has 3 years left on his deal, the Hornets/Stern should have no interest, if we're to believe their rationale for rejecting the first Paul trade offer. Scola would at least be less money per year. If Okafor's overpaid according to this thread, then so is Scola. Okafor at least provides a skill that the Rockets are sorely lacking right now.
He and Patterson would fit together really well, too IMO. Both can play both ends of the court. The pair would be soild for years to come.
Went to high school with the guy...didn't know him personally, but the teachers adored him. Smart guy he was. He used to avg 26 ppg in high schoo. His offense is only "average" in the NBA, but his defense and rebounding is still good. I wouldn't mind seeing him here at all. Off topic, but if Wilson Chandler can find his way out of his Chinese contract, I'd also like to see the Rockets stealing him from the Nuggets.
