NEW ORLEANS — Even though Emeka Okafor wasn’t looking for a new start, the center says he understands that change could be good for him at this point in his NBA career.

The Hornets on Tuesday formally introduced Okafor, who came to New Orleans in a trade that sent Tyson Chandler to the Charlotte Bobcats.
Okafor says he was committed to building Charlotte into a winner and enjoyed spending his first five years as a pro with the Bobcats. Now he’s looking forward to joining a playoff contender and playing with All-Stars David West and Chris Paul.
The 6-foot-10 Okafor has career averages of 14 points and 10.7 rebounds. In New Orleans, he’ll also rejoin backup center Hilton Armstrong, a former college teammate at Connecticut.