Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about basketballer Emeka Okafor:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Chukwuemeka Ndubuisi Okafor
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: September 28, 1982
  • Hometown: Houston, Texas, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm)
  • Weight: 255 lbs (116 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 18 (US)
  • Number: Wore #50 during his career
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • High School: Bellaire High School (Bellaire, Texas)
  • College: University of Connecticut (UConn Huskies)
  • NBA Draft: 2004, 1st round, 2nd overall pick by the Charlotte Bobcats
  • Teams Played For:
    • Charlotte Bobcats (2004–2009)
    • New Orleans Hornets (2009–2012)
    • Washington Wizards (2012–2013)
    • Returned to play with the New Orleans Pelicans (2017–2018)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Has at least one child; additional personal details are private.
  • Siblings: Has a younger sister, Nneka Okafor.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Emeka Okafor was a defense-first interior big whose value came from rim protection, rebounding, and efficient finishing rather than shot creation or perimeter skill. Standing about 6-foot-10 and 255 pounds in the NBA, he brought a strong frame, long reach, and functional mobility for a center, which allowed him to anchor the paint, absorb contact, and consistently contest around the basket. Defensively, he operated as a back-line protector and interior stabilizer, using timing and positioning to block shots, clean the glass, and patrol the lane. Offensively, his role was more complementary: scoring on dumps, put-backs, rolls, short interior finishes, and other high-percentage looks instead of serving as a primary hub. In full, Okafor’s style was steady, physical, and practical—a classic low-maintenance center who could help a team by defending the rim, controlling possessions, and finishing the work created by others. (Basketball Reference)

Basketball-Reference — Emeka Okafor Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
NBA.com — Emeka Okafor | Center | Charlotte Bobcats
UConn Huskies — Emeka Okafor – 2003-04 Men’s Basketball Roster
ESPN — Emeka Okafor – Philadelphia 76ers Center