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Emeka Okafor, the former No. 2 overall pick who has been out of the NBA for three seasons, has decided to attempt a comeback with an eye toward joining a contending team in December or January.Okafors agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed that Okafor, who last played for the Washington Wizards in 2012-13 before suffering a herniated disc in his neck, is in the gym training and working on his conditioning.Hes probably five or six months away, Schwartz said. Hes been working hard rehabbing. For some guys that means one thing. To Emeka, who understands his body as well or better than some trainers that have worked with him, it means something else. Hes healthy. He feels great, but hes a perfectionist, and he wants everything to be right.In his final season in Washington, Okafor averaged 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 26 minutes a game. He was a formidable shot-blocker and a defensive presence, helping the Wizards finish eighth in the league in points allowed per possession in 2012-13.But Okafor, who had back surgery in college, struggled with neck pain, and when doctors discovered he had herniated the C4 cervical disc, the injury forced him to step away from the game. In October 2013, Okafor and his expiring $14.5 million contract were dealt to?Phoenix?in a five-player?swap that netted the Wizards center Marcin Gortat. Okafor never played a game for the Suns.His best years were with the?Charlotte Bobcats, the team that drafted him as the second pick after Dwight Howard in the 2004 draft. Okafor averaged 15.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks as a rookie and posted double-double averages in all five of his seasons in Charlotte.Retired University of Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun said he spoke with Okafor last week. According to Calhoun, his former player, who helped UConn win a national championship in 2004 (while leading the nation in blocks), is really excited about getting back.Hes in great shape, Calhoun said. He had offers last season from teams for $6-7 million to play just a portion of the season, but you have to know Emeka. Hes only coming back when he feels the time is right.Hes not going to make a decision based on money. He doesnt need it. This is a kid who graduated with a 3.9 GPA. He wants to play a couple more years then go to business school at Harvard. Hes only going to play for a contending team.Okafor turns 34 in September. League sources said last season he spoke with Cleveland, Miami and Golden State before deciding to delay his return. His decision to skip the grueling regiment of training camp and instead join a team a couple of months into the season is reminiscent of former major league pitcher Roger Clemens, who came out of retirement in 2006 to join his hometown?Houston Astros?two months into the baseball season.Warriors general manager Bob Myers, whose club lost big men Andrew Bogut, Festus Ezeli and Marreese Speights in the purge to make room for free agent Kevin Durant, said he had a conversation with Okafor a couple of months ago and will monitor the big mans progress.In the meantime, the Warriors have signed veterans David West and Zaza Pachulia to fill the void.We have 14 players right now, but you learn every year that someone you didnt expect to be available becomes an option, Myers said. Ideally, you try to have the flexibility to keep a spot open in case that happens.The biggest hurdle for Okafor will be to prove to teams hes both healthy and durable. Aside from his back and neck injuries, Okafor missed a chunk of 2005-06 with an ankle injury and part of 2011-12 with a knee injury.San Antonio?lost center Tim Duncan to retirement after 19 seasons and is likely in the market for big man insurance, but general manager R.C. Buford stopped short of expressing interest in Okafor.We always pay attention to whatever is out there, Buford said. But Emeka is three years removed from a time when his body was letting him down.Its just hard to get enough information to evaluate a player like that, who wont be in training camp, who hasnt had game action for a prolonged period of time.Calhoun said the long layoff has not only rejuvenated Okafor physically, but also mentally.He misses the game, Calhoun said. Hey, hes 6-10 and was a double-double guy in the NBA. Hes also the greatest guy you can find in the locker room. Hell have plenty of teams lining up to talk to him. Don MacLean Jersey . John Tavares, Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo were also being counted on to slow down sizzling Rangers forward Rick Nash. That plan didnt go so well early. Otto Porter Jr. Jersey . After a replay, the winner will meet Sunderland in the quarterfinals. Sagbo did well to control Sone Alukos right cross and fire past Brighton goalkeeper Peter Brezovan. Aluko was making his first start in four months after recovering from an Achilles injury. https://www.cheapwizardsonline.com/ .J. -- Marty Brodeur beat the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again. Antawn Jamison Jersey . The All-Pro lineman got the leg bent under him while trying to make a tackle during the first half of a 22-20 overtime loss at Miami on Thursday night. The medical staff initially thought hed torn the ligament, and the test a day later in Cincinnati confirmed it. Kevin Grevey Jersey . Terms of the deal were not immediately available. The 26-year-old finished last season with Clevelands Triple-A affiliate in Columbus after signing with the Indians in August. SEATTLE -- Aerial Powers scored 19 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 54 seconds left, to help the Dallas Wings beat the Seattle Storm 83-78 on Thursday night.Sue Bird made a long 3-pointer with 2:15 remaining to tie it at 76-all but it was Seattles final field goal. The Storm added two free throws for a two-point lead, but Powers sank a 3 with 2 seconds left on the shot clock for a 79-78 lead. After three empty possessions, Odyssey Sims and Skylar Diggins each made two free throws to seal it.Courtney Paris had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Karima Christmas added 12 points for Dallas (8-9), which is No.dddddddddddd 6 in the AP power poll. Glory Johnson fouled out with 1:17 left and had 11 points and nine rebounds.Powers was 3 of 4 from 3-point range and the Wings made 11 of 22.Jewell Loyd led 10th-ranked Seattle (6-10) with 24 points. Breanna Stewart, coming off the third-highest scoring output (38) by a rookie in league history, was held to 17 points. ' ' '