Okafor Longs For Post-Season

Emeka Okafor is enjoying a solid season for the New Orleans Hornets. One of only eight players averaging a double-double, Okafor has an outiside chance of making his first all-star game. If it is up to Emeka, he would prefer to play in his first playoff game. He was asked about his preference by Times Picayune journalist Jimmy Smith.

"Post season, of course," Okafor said Tuesday, stating his preference between the two. "Post season gets you that ring. Man, as a competitor, that's what you want. You want the chance to play for a championship. And that starts with the playoffs. To have my first shot at that, would mean the world."

Okafor, who began his NBA career with the Charlotte Bobcats, has never played in a post-season game. If he plays Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, Okafor will play in his 300th straight regular season game, fourth-longest active streak in the league.

He's averaging 10.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game and tied a team record on Monday against the Toronto Raptors with 12 offensive rebounds.

His All-Star credentials, Coach Monty Williams said, speak for themselves.

Read more of Smith's article here: http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2011/01/first_post-season_game_would_m.html

While Okafor is having a solid season, I do not think Monty Williams' can rally enough support to earn Okafor an all-star bid. Frankly, he is not good enough. David West deserves an all-star slot from the coaches ballots more than Okafor, but there are many all-star caliber forwards in the Western conference. When the announcements are made, I would be surprised to see either on the roster. Chris Paul will likely start at point guard based on the fans' vote. Emeka has the right mindset. For a player that has never tasted the postseason, he knows the playing basketball in May is more significant that playing basketball in an glitzy exhibition game.