<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">NEWS FLASH: Jeff Schwartz, the agent for Emeka Okafor, is convinced his client will be drafted first overall by the Magic following Friday's workout in Orlando. So far, everything has gone well during the draft process for Okafor. He measured out at 6-83/4 and he's bulked up to 257 pounds. Also, his back checked out during the NBA-mandated physicals. Now, Okafor could go a long way toward securing his spot atop the draft with a solid workout Friday </div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Schwartz said that not only is Okafor the most NBA-ready player in the draft, he had better collegiate numbers than Elton Brand (17.7 ppg and 9.8 rpg) and Kenyon Martin (18.9 ppg and 9.7 rpg), the last two power forwards drafted No. 1 overall. Okafor averaged 17.6 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.0 blocks a game while leading Connecticut to the NCAA title. </div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">NEWS FLASH: Dwight Howard sees himself as more of a power forward or small forward and said that he has no desire to play center, the Magic's position of greatest need. Not only did Howard measure up short, he struggled with the bench press test. He bench-pressed 185 pounds just seven times compared to Okafor's 22 times. He was also 10 pounds lighter than he had hoped to be, weighing in at 240 pounds. All of those factors make the Magic wonder if Howard will be strong enough to hold his own on the block early in his career. </div> Full Story We'll know more after Okafor's workout on Friday. But I think he's our guy. We'd be foolish to pass this guy up.
I agree. Emeka okafor is a behemoth. He can bench 185 pounds 22 times. I wonder how much he can max out at.
I'm telling you, Okafor already has more offensive game than Ben Wallace and can still improve, just like Ben Wallace did this past season. Imagine Okafor ..just starting already has more offense than Ben Wallace? he is a rebounding and shot-blocking machine. I was really 50% 50% for both but right now I'm more like 75% Okafor 25% Dwight specially if we get a good deal if we draft Okafor(Juicy Deal?)... Only the work outs will change this, T-Mac said he would most likely not attend but I actually think he is, everything is happening this weekend guys, T-Mac and Orlando will see Okafor and Dwight working out, T-Mac will most likely make his decision and Orlando will make a deal with the pick(wether it is trading pick or making that "juicy deal"). I still think we should make some kind of a trade, get a top 10 pick and draft Livingston if Available or Gordon or Nelson or any other PG.
I've now officially changed my mind on Okafor/Howard debate again. Howard may be something really, really special. Or he could turn out to be a <font color="Red">edit </font> piece of <font color="Red">edit</font>. I am pretty sure that Okafor's back is healed up, and he will have a lot of impact in Orlando. I aslo hope that Magic can make use of their 2 2nd pics, and maybe trade for 1sts. <font color="Red">Watch the language! -Ice</font>
There's a rumor, one of my friends told me about Maggette, #2, Jaric, Ely for Tmac. pg-livingston sg-maggette sf-dwight howard*/bogans pf-gooden c-okafor*/ely *Whichever we draft. #1 pick we draft Dwight/Emeka, #2 pick we take Livingston. That would be a lineup built for the future, but still looks like it could be a contender in a couple of years.
Not so fast... I've heard reports from various reporters on ESPN Radio, and around the web, that Okafor's back is something to be worried about. I think the word is "Alarming". I think we better make sure his back isn't going to give us problems before we draft him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Maggette, #2, Jaric, Ely for Tmac. </div> Their's no base to it, I heard this same rumour Maggette, Jaric, #2 to the Raptors for Vince and the #8, its not true.
The magic should pick Okafor Because it sounds like Howard is to scared to play in the pros right now and he not that strong
I wouldn't call Howard too scared. He seems pretty confident to me. He is way more versatile and is stronger than KG was at this stage. I think this guy is going to be something special and I would still take him.
Okafor averaged almost 4.3 blocks per game in his three seasons at Connecticut, and his 411 career blocks rank seventh in NCAA history. He also averaged 10.6 rebounds. Okafor's to good to pass up despite the back problems.
Yeah he does sound good another thing is he bulked up thats really good so if they draft him then maybe all these Shaq back to Orlando rumors will stop.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Einitials:</div><div class="quote_post">I agree. Emeka okafor is a behemoth. He can bench 185 pounds 22 times. I wonder how much he can max out at.</div> Well the dude IS 257 pounds. Benching 185 pounds should be no problem for him. Now if he can bench press his own weight 22 times I'll be impressed.
I'm still voting for Dwight. The dude is going to be a superstar. Okafor will be good, but not in Dwight's league.
No way...Wesbroid said his low-post game is the same as Kwame's...he was also suppose to be a star..I don't know is a real gamble...still with Okafor 100% ..will be very dissapointed if we don't get him.
How many 22 ft J's have u seen Kwame hit. Maybe his low post game is comparable to Kwame, but I don't see Kwame hitting 22 foot J's at a consistent pace(I read that Dwight hit 7-7 right handed and 6-7 left handed) He's got more of an outside game than Kwame and is a better ballhandler/slasher than Kwame was/is. So you really can't compare him to Kwame. In 2 or 3 years if we don't draft him we are going to pay.
I like Howard, Okafor would be the best player right now, but Howard has the most potential to become a superstar in the league. The magic need a superstar, especially if they lose McGrady. Sure Okafor is goin to be a good player, but i don't see him ever becoming a dominate force on offense becuase of his lack of size. Id go with Star potential and take Howard.
