Okafor, Diogu hope to play soon
Monday, October 12, 2009
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
Of the Hornets six offseason acquisitions, two of them Emeka Okafor and Ike Diogu have been kept out of preseason games due to injury. Following Mondays practice, however, each frontcourt player sounded like hes getting closer to making an exhibition debut for New Orleans.
Prior to boarding the team flight to Wichita, Kans., for Tuesdays game vs. Orlando, Okafor told reporters that its a possibility he will play Saturday, when the Hornets host Indiana. The soreness Okafor has been experiencing from a toe sprain has been subsiding.
Its getting there, the center said. Its hard for me to sit on the sideline. I want to be out there (on the court).
Diogu said he probably will not play Tuesday or Thursday (vs. Miami in Kansas City), but is hopeful to be available by Saturday as well. The 6-foot-9 power forward participated in practice for the first time today.
It was good to get out there and mix it up with the guys a little bit, Diogu said. Its another step in the right direction.
Id like to play this next game
but at the same time, theres really no rush. Were taking all of the necessary precautions. I look at like I have a golden opportunity in front of me, so I dont want to miss any time. Its wide open in terms of playing time here.