First post-season game would mean more to Okafor

[Copperhead]

than first All-Star Game

He has played for six-plus seasons without any All-Star recognition, and this might be his best opportunity to break through.

But New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor, one of just eight players this season currently averaging a double-double, said he'd look forward more to reaching the playoffs for the first time in his career than spending All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.

"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.

http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ss...e_would_m.html