Remember Emeka Okafor? He Just Played in His First NBA Game Since 2013

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After losing out in the Greg Monroe sweepstakes, the New Orleans Pelicans signed former UConn standout Emeka Okafor to a 10-day contract.

Okafor, who hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2012-13 season, made his first appearance for New Orleans on Monday night in a game versus the Utah Jazz. While neither he or the Pelicans set the world on fire against Utah, it’s an awesome story and one that will hopefully put some closure on a career that once had tons of promise.

During the preseason, Okafor officially started on the comeback trail, competing for the Philadelphia 76ers in exhibition games. He had just been medically cleared to play in May of 2017 after suffering a herniated disc way back in 2013. Although he didn’t end up making the opening-night roster, he got into game shape as a member of the Delaware 87ers in the G-League.

In 26 G-League games, the former No.2 pick averaged 6.8 points in 19.9 minutes per game.

Needing a big man to fill the void left by DeMarcus Cousin’s injury, the Pelicans will use Okafor off the bench and hope he can bring the same defensive intensity he once specialized in. As it stands now, the Pelicans have the 29th-ranked defense in terms of points allowed per game (110.7).

Holy Smokes: Jahlil Okafor Had His First 20-Point Game in 320 Days

The Jazz wound up beating New Orleans 133–109, with Okafor — wearing his trademark №50 — playing nine minutes total. Most importantly, though, was the fact that he played meaningful minutes, checking in late in the first quarter. Overall, he managed to score three points and grab two rebounds.

 

CATEGORY: NBA