Contract issue unlikely to affect Okafor

It’s seldom a good thing when the team’s star is in limbo regarding his contract.

But if anyone can proceed with class, intelligence and dignity, it’s Emeka Okafor.

I found out Thursday that Okafor could have made more than $12. million a season, had he signed the offer the Charlotte Bobcats made. Instead, he decided to shoot higher, playing out his contract to become a restricted free agent in July.

I believe Okafor when he says he’s not looking to leave the Bobcats. That’s not hard to believe, because days ago, when I asked him if he’s at all rattled by the absence of a contract agreement, he said he’s far more concerned about the start of the season than his contract status.

If you know Okafor, you know that’s just how he’d look at things.

Okafor called it "goal-oriented" Thursday. That’s the same goal-orientation that had him graduating from Connecticut in three years with the kind of grades we’d all love for our kids to have. Okafor wants a maximum contract because it would represent being elite in basketball.

I don’t think he’ll get there – I suspect he’s close to maxing out his talent already – but I so admire his drive. I do know this; it’s not about the money, or at least it’s not about selfishness. The guy and his family are so into charity, he’ll give away half of whatever he makes.

Sure, Okafor likes nice things – don’t we all? – but he’s more comfortable in a college sweatshirt than an Armani suit. I could see him taking a huge chunk of whatever he eventually makes and saving the blood supply in Africa (that’s his pet project, in case you don’t know.)

The Bobcats and Okafor’s representatives are on good terms, which is important, because at some time, they’ll have to make a deal. You can’t lose this guy defensively, or this team takes three steps back.

So let it play out, find a fair number in the middle, and don’t let egos interfere with good sense.