Washington center Emeka Okafor will be out indefinitely due to a herniated disc, while NBA teammate Chris Singleton faces a six to eight-week absence with a left foot injury, as confirmed by the Wizards.
These setbacks occur just 10 days before the onset of Washington’s pre-season training camp.
Okafor (left) participating in a recent match.
Okafor, the first-born in his Nigerian family to be born in the United States, received a diagnosis of a ruptured C4 cervical disc following an MRI.
“I have put in significant effort over the summer and was eagerly anticipating the start of training camp next week, so this is a disheartening and frustrating circumstance for me,” expressed Okafor, who had been experiencing neck pain.
Okafor averaged 9.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 79 games for the Wizards last season.
Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld expressed confidence in Okafor’s swift return to fitness.
“Until then, his absence will open up opportunities for other players to step up and provide the rebounding and defense that Emeka typically contributes,” he stated.
Singleton sustained a fracture in the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during a voluntary workout on Tuesday. Surgery will be required to address the fracture.
Singleton averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 57 games for the Wizards last season, during which the team concluded with a record of 29-53.
