Emeka Okafor has been diagnosed with a herniated disc in his neck. The Washington Wizards announced in a press release that the injury will keep the big man out "indefinitely," but no timetable was mentioned.
Emeka Okafor injury: Wizards center out ‘indefinitely’ with herniated disc
Wizards center Emeka Okafor is out indefinitely after an MRI revealed a herniated disc in his neck.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
The injury’s official diagnosis is a herniated C4 cervical disc and was revealed through an MRI after Okafor complained of neck pain.
The 30-year-old center was one of the few Wizards players able to stay healthy for the majority of last season, averaging 9.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 79 games during his first season in Washington. His quote in the press release makes it seems likely that he’ll play in fewer games this year, though he is planning to play in the playoffs.
“I have worked hard over the summer and was looking forward to the start of training camp next week, so this is a disappointing and frustrating situation for me,” said Okafor. “But I have confidence that my teammates and coaches will be able to continue to take steps towards our goal of making the playoffs and that I will be able to do my part to help them once I return.”
The Okafor news came hours after the Wizards announced that fellow frontcourt player Chris Singleton will miss at least the next six weeks with a foot injury.
Wednesday's news isn't quite as bad as when the Wizards learned they'd be without both John Wall and Nene to start last season, but it's unfortunate news for a team that seemed to be putting it together toward the end of last year.
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