Emeka Okafor and Tyson Chandler on the Move
Charlotte Bobcats and New Orleans Hornets Trade Centers
Later this evening, a trade scenario should be completed that will have two young, gifted centers on the move. A straight swap involving Tyson Chandler and Emeka Okafor is the proposed deal. A small possibility exists however that additional players would have to be involved to appease management of both teams and to make the salary figures work.
Tyson Chandler Going to the Charlotte Bobcats
The 7'1" center has been named in numerous trade scenarios over the course of the last several months, including a trade that fell through at the last moment, last trade deadline. The proposed trade would have landed Chandler in Oklahoma City, while forwards Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox would have gone to New Orleans. Thunder management however was not thrilled with the result of Tyson's physical, mainly the status of a left toe injury, and decided to pass on the deal. Chandler finished off the season in New Orleans, but he is not the answer the team is looking for, and it is time for he and the Hornets to part ways.
Chandler should fit in perfectly with Larry Brown's coaching style. Tyson would bring to Charlotte a sense of toughness and a defensive identity the team has never been labeled with. Tyson should look to assume a leadership role, and help develop the young talent around him. Charlotte was nearly an 8th seed playoff team last year. A new big man in town with prior playoff experience could help Charlotte reach greater levels of success.
Tyson Chandler averaged 9 points and 8 rebounds last season.
Emeka Okafor Headed to the New Orleans Hornets
The number 2 overall pick of the 2004 NBA draft could use a change of scenery, and would thrive in a fast paced system that the Hornets utilize. Okafor is a talented center, however he and Bobcats head coach Larry Brown failed to see eye-to-eye causing Emeka's performance to diminish. The Bobcats are primarily a young team and have a long way to go before being considered title contenders. Okafor's abilities and skills as a basketball player should be realized on a larger scale within the Hornets Organization.
Moving Okafor to a successful Western Conference team that does have playoff experience could help to rejuvenate Emeka's career. The Hornets can use the roster shake-up also as they appeared to have peaked with Chris Paul, David West and Tyson Chandler. Emeka Okafor should bring new excitement to the team and an added dimension of a post offensive threat that was not available with Chandler.
The 6'10" center averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds last season.
Sources: Associated Press, Sports Illustrated
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