Report: Emeka Okafor strongly considering sitting out rest of season

Center Emeka Okafor is strongly considering sitting out the remainder of this season, according to a report from ESPN's Mark Stein. Okafor missed all of last season after suffering a herniated disc in his neck.

Center Emeka Okafor is strongly considering sitting out the remainder of this season, according to a report from ESPN's Mark Stein.

Okafor missed all of last season after suffering a herniated disc in his neck.

He was dealt to Phoenix in the October 2013 trade that landed center Marcin Gortat with the Washington Wizards but entered free agency this summer after not playing for the Suns.

It was believed Okafor would be available at some point this season, but he is considering waiting until this summer to commit to joining a new team, the report says.

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Okafor is reportedly "healthy," but could opt to take more time to work on his strength and conditioning and is "reluctant to rush back" this season, according to the report.

Stein cites the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks as teams that had interest in Okafor if he were to decide to play this season.

Over 79 games in 2012-13, Okafor averaged 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and one block per game. The 32-year-old has had stints with the Wizards, Hornets and Bobcats since being selected No. 2 overall in the 2004 draft.

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