In 2004, the Orlando Magic had to decide between taking high schooler Dwight Howard and former UConn Huskies All-American Emeka Okafor with the first pick in the draft. We all know what happened with that one as Okafor ended up going second to the Charlotte Bobcats.
After signing a 6-year, $72 million contract extension with the Bobcats before last season, Okafor now has a new home as he was traded to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler.
Okafor averaged 13.2 points and 10.1 rebounds last season while Chandler averaged 8.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in 45 games.
“Emeka is one of the premier centers in the NBA with All-Star caliber scoring and rebounding averages throughout his career,” Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. “His potential to improve is endless once you put him on the court running with Chris Paul.”
Okafor will join another former Husky on the Hornets roster in Hilton Armstrong.
Center swap: Okafor for Chandler [ESPN.com]
