Emeka Okafor’s recent return to the NBA, after missing more than four years due to a neck injury, is nothing short of remarkable. Not only has he recovered, but the 35-year-old is starting for the Pelicans as they try to make a playoff push.
His return also serves as a reminder of how much differently things could look today if Okafor had not gotten injured prior to the start of the 2013-14 season, when the Wizards made their first playoff appearance with John Wall and Bradley Beal.
Washington dealt Okafor and their 2014 first round pick to Phoenix for Marcin Gortat in late October, when it became clear in preseason that Kevin Seraphin wasn’t ready to handle starting center duties.