When DeMarcus Cousins ruptured his Achilles tendon during a game in late January, the New Orleans Pelicans knew they would need all the help they can get to make a playoff push. Combined with a historic stretch from Anthony Davis, the signing of veteran center Emeka Okafor has propelled New Orleans to play quality basketball recently.
According to The Vertical’s Shams Charania, the Pelicans plan to sign Okafor for the remainder of the season:
Sources: Emeka Okafor is signing with New Orleans for the remainder of the season today. The former No. 2 pick has averaged 6.3 rebounds and two blocks in six games back in NBA since injuries sidelined him in 2013.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2018
Selected with the second overall pick by the then Charlotte Bobcats in 2004, Emeka Okafor was recently called up for a 10-day contract while he was a member of the G-League’s Delaware 87ers. It had been a long time coming for Okafor to make his NBA return as the veteran hadn’t played in the NBA since 2013 prior to this most recent stint with the Pels.
Though no longer a dominating presence on either end of the court, Okafor does provide New Orleans with a sorely needed interior bruiser. With Cousins now out for the season, a lot of the offensive responsibility now falls on Anthony Davis. With Okafor flanking the paint defensively, Davis has more of an opportunity to worry about carrying the team’s offensive load and he’s done just that.
In the 5 games Emeka Okafor has suited up for thus far this season, Davis is averaging a robust 39.2 points and 14.4 rebounds per game. Davis should continue to get all the opportunities he can handle as long as Okafor works as an ideal complement.
