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The New Orleans Pelicans have found a temporary solution at center by signing Emeka Okafor.

New Orleans announced the 10-day contract Saturday. Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania initially reported the news.

Drafted No. 2 overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004, Okafor was named Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

After playing 79 games for the Washington Wizards in 2012-13, injuries kept Okafor out of action. He was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his neck in September 2013 and wasn't medically cleared to play until last May.

Okafor, 35, will give the Pelicans frontcourt depth with DeMarcus Cousins out for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. He has averaged 12.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in nine NBA seasons with three teams.