6 Free Agents The Warriors Should Consider Signing

Jan 30, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards center

(50) celebrates scoring during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Emeka Okafor

Okafor sat most of last season due to injury. The Wizards, who were in a win-now mode, traded him to Phoenix for Marcin Gortat. The Wizards had regarded Okafor as a key component of their roster, but could not wait for him to return from injury. Okafor was linked in multiple trade talks throughout the season, as his $14 million contract could be waived to create cap space.

It seems like in the midst of his injury, Okafor’s ability as a top defensive centre has been forgotten. In his last season with the Wizards, he averaged 8.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks a game. In comparison to previous years, his stats show that he has been in slow decline. However, at 30, he still has a few years left in the tank and with the right minutes management plan, could still continue to contribute at a very high level.

Okafor is not known as an offensive threat, but has shown in previous years that he can anchor a defense. He contributed 4.5 defensive win shares in his final season with the Wizards, and he snagged 26.8% of defensive rebounds while he was on the floor. Okafor’s defensive talent is there for everyone to see, it’s just that no one has seen it for almost a season. And in the NBA, minds with short memories often pay the consequences.

Several teams have been linked with signing Okafor, and many will be vigorously testing him out, trying to see if he may still be dealing with the after-effects of his injury. The Warriors should be one of those teams, as they should be on the lookout for a defensive big man who can come off the bench and even start if Andrew Bogut suffers an injury (which is very likely).

Okafor fits the bill, and may even be available on a veteran’s minimum. He will be out to prove himself after sitting out an entire season, and may use the next season as a springboard to a final contract.