There were plenty of basketball fans, media members, coaches and players who believed he’d already retired, which seemed like a reasonable assumption considering it was nearly a half-decade since they’d seen him on an NBA court. That helps explain why as Emeka Okafor makes his way around the league these days, a common response to him suiting up for the New Orleans Pelicans has been one of significant surprise, but also appreciation for the work he put in to revive his career.
“I’ve really been touched and moved by people’s reactions, and how positive the reception has been, to be honest,” said the 35-year-old, who most recently played in the NBA for Washington in 2013, before a herniated disc injury in his neck sidelined him.