Okafor improves on offensive end: Hornets C Emeka Okafor might only be averaging a career-low 9.7 points per game, but he sits in the top 10 in the NBA in field-goal percentage (53.6). “My goal this year has just been being very specific. Trying to be as precise, take as precise game-type shots as possible," Okafor told The Times-Picayune. “I did a lot of work in the offseason, kind of practicing my all-around game, and then once the season came around, just starting to hone that in within the confines of what I was getting, what would be presented to me, as well as continuing to develop other parts of my game.” Coach Monty Williams praises Okafor for his fearlessness on offense. “He’s not afraid to take that 10-foot, 15-foot jump shot,” Williams said. “The one thing I don’t want him to do is (be) relying on that. I thought lately he’s been doing a little bit too much of that instead of driving to the basket to finish. He missed some layups (against Detroit) that were not Emeka-like. For him to be the kind of player he wants to be, he has to know the right balances of taking that shot or getting to the basket. He has certainly improved his shot a little bit.” (Updated 02/08/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Okafor scored 19 points on Monday against the Kings and that was even with the return of Chris Kaman, who was taken off the trading block. We expect Kaman could cut into some of Okafor's production, but Okafor will continue to log heavy minutes and be a factor in the frontcourt for New Orleans. He just remains more of a No. 2 Fantasy center. (Updated 02/08/2012).
02/10/2012 22:44 Trail Blazers 94, Hornets 86
Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 31 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers snapped a two-game skid while handing New Orleans its eighth straight loss, 94-86 on Friday.
02/09/2012 02:40 Courtside Seat: Looking back to look forward
As the season progresses, you might start looking at your Fantasy team and wonder who was most worthy of your selection. Our Jamey Eisenberg examines how the Top 12 players drafted are performing so far in different leagues in his Courtside Seat.
02/06/2012 09:03 Week 7 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em
The Nets have struggled so far in 2012, but Anthony Morrow is making some noise of late. Our Chris Towers discusses his recent play and much more in his latest Start 'Em and Sit 'Em.
02/06/2012 08:34 What's on the Schedule: Week 7
The Grizzlies are the only team to have four home games in the upcoming scoring period, making some of their fringe options interesting. Our Adam Moore breaks down the Week 7 schedule.
01/30/2012 22:25 Heat swat Hornets, win fifth straight
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade each scored 22 points, Mike Miller added 14 off the bench and the Miami Heat shook off a slow start to run away from the New Orleans Hornets 109-95 on Monday night.
Since joining the New Orleans Hornets, Emeka Okafor has been a consistent source for about 10 points and nine boards per game, averaging the same figures in each of his first two seasons with the team. He has a good rapport with point guard Chris Paul and could even conceivably get back to the 13-ppg level he enjoyed throughout his time with the Bobcats. But Fantasy owners should expect another season of consistent production with premium help for category league owners in blocks. Just be aware of his putrid free-throw shooting (58.7 percent for his career) in those formats. View him as a solid No. 2 center option to target in the mid-to-late rounds in any format. (Updated 8/28/11)
