5. Emeka Okafor (Center)
Surprise! Yes, you indeed read the title correctly. Emeka Okafor, the former second overall pick of the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2004 NBA draft, is a center that the Heat could possibly consider this offseason to bolster their depth in the front court.
Okafor, who has not played a game in the NBA in over two full seasons, has reportedly recovered fully from a herniated disc found in his neck back in October 2013. He has drawn interest from the Heat and a handful of other teams last offseason but was never offered a contract.
The big man, who still hasn’t reached the full NBA potential that many people thought would, is still a career double-double machine with averages of 12.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. In his last full season in the NBA in 2012-13 with the Washington Wizards, the now 32-year old Okafor averaged 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.0 block in 26 minutes per game.
Back in January earlier this year, it was reported by ESPN and multiple sources that Okafor was healthy but decided to not rush back to the NBA mid-season.
Don’t be surprised if Miami offers him a contract to play in the black and red next season, as Okafor can still be a very intelligent, solid center and a mentor for someone like Hassan Whiteside.
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