Okafor to be monitored: The Hornets plan to keep a close eye on center Emeka Okafor’s progress during the summer before making a decision on what they will do with the veteran, who missed 39 games in 2011-12 with a left knee injury and has two years left on his contract. According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the team could use their amnesty clause provision on him, after younger big men like Gustavo Ayon and Jason Smith showed potential this season. (Updated 05/16/2012)
Injury Report
Knee - Probable for start of 2012-13 season (Updated - 5/16/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Okafor missed most of the final three months of the season with the knee injury, which never received an official diagnosis. He underwent a number of tests, but all the team ever said publicly is that he was “sore.” The team says he will work out with some of their younger players to test the strength of the knee before they decide how they will proceed. Okafor’s numbers dropped to their lowest level this season, as he averaged a career low 9.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in 27 contests, and it will be interesting to see what happens with him this summer, as he turns 30 before the start of next season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding him, he should still be considered a No. 2 Fantasy center next season, worth targeting with a late middle round selection on Draft Day. (Updated 05/16/2012).
03/27/2012 01:56 Paul, Griffin lead Clippers past Hornets
Chris Paul had 25 points and 10 assists against his former team, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 97-85 victory against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday night.
03/16/2012 05:49 Courtside Seat: 2012 trade deadline recap
Ramon Sessions and the Lakers are looking great after Thursday's trade deadline. Jamey Eisenberg points out five winners and five losers from his Courtside Seat.
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)
