THE Charlotte Bobcats’ Emeka Okafor was sent to the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday for Tyson Chandler, another former No. 2 overall pick.
The trade involving 26-year-old centers brought financial relief to both teams and confidence they’ll each thrive with a new man in the middle.
The Hornets have been trying to unload Chandler for several months. A trade last season to Oklahoma City was rescinded after Chandler failed a physical amid concerns over a lingering toe injury.
Charlotte coach Larry Brown was willing to gamble on the injury-prone, athletic big man who can also play power forward.
“We’re getting a young kid who is long and athletic and can play multiple positions and fills a need that we obviously have,” Brown said.
The Hornets were intrigued by Okafor’s superior rebounding and durability. New Orleans gets a reliable big man with a longer contract as it tries to recover from last season’s first-round playoff exit.
The deal is the fourth trade Charlotte has made since managing partner Michael Jordan hired Brown before last season. Brown, in his record ninth NBA head coaching job, has continued his history of numerous trades to mold the team into his versatile, defensive-minded liking.
Chandler averaged 8.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in only 45 games last season. (SD-Agencies)