<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">When the Charlotte Bobcats selected their 19 players during the expansion draft last Tuesday, then traded up and landed Emeka Okafor with the second pick overall in Thursday's NBA Draft, it reflected what Bobcats coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff had in mind entering the week. He wanted youth. He wanted defense. At first glance, he hit the jackpot with both.</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"I went to the NBA Combine, checked with numerous doctors, and there were no questions raised," said Okafor, who is 6-10 and 250 pounds. "I checked with spine doctors chosen by the NBA, they said I was fine. I went to Charlotte and Orlando spine doctors, they said I was fine. I went to my private spine doctor, he said I was fine. So I don't know what else I can do.</div> I looks like Bickerstaff wants a team that thrives on defense and unselfish play, and getting Okafor sure helps that philosophy(sp?) out. The article also says that Okafor's back problems shouldn't be a factor at all this season and it was a fluke when he got injured in the tournament last year. He went to more than 5 doctors about it and they all say it's fine. That sure makes me happy! Here's the link http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/7458252
Orlando souned like they wanted to get them but the managment for the Magic said if the doctors said his back isn't 110%, then they would not get him. I am glad that Bickerstaff got what they wanted!!!
I heard that Orlando chose Howard instead because they think he has more potential than Okafor and he is younger, because he doesn't want a player who will make a huge impact immediately because they already have Gooden at the power forward spot, and now Cato, he can play PF. Orlando has a stacked lineup now, Francis, Mobley, Cato, Howard, and anyother player they want to start.
Okafor is going to excell faster than Howard. Howard will turn into a franchice player but it will take longer than Okafor would.
Okafor is the man he will dominate the NBA by his 3rd year same with Howard but not to the same extent. Howard is more of a finesse player while Okafor is a little more agressive and a better defender. I think no one is going to regret passing up/taking Okafor because of his immense talent.
I don't know if he will be dominating the league, he isn't in the same catagory as a LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony where he can just walk in and put up sick numbers on a weak team. Howard will be just as good of a player as Okafor in the future, but if you want production and contribution right away, we made the right choice, and that's what I want to see. Okafor has more heart and determination in my humble opinion. Oh well, Okafor is a Bobcat and nothing will change that, hopefully the Magic made the wrong choice, for our sake.
Yeah I was really surprised that the Magic didnt take Okafor...Both players will likely need 2-3 years before they fully reach their potential, and it might take even longer for Howard...But the Bobcats could not have asked for a better choice as a draft pick...
