
Orlando Magic
Chuma Okeke (No. 16)
In their first draft outside the lottery since 2012, the Orlando Magic were looking to improve on a surprise appearance in the postseason. In doing so, the No. 16 selection of Chuma Okeke was an interesting step.
Okeke projects as a potential impact two-way floor spacer down the line. He shot 38.7 percent during his sophomore campaign at Auburn. Combined with a 7’0” wingspan and advanced defensive instincts, he’ll join the long list of Magic players with a similar skill-set, including Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon.
.@chuma_okeke to the @OrlandoMagic! @ChrisVernonShow approves: https://t.co/aK8lEMPAh4 pic.twitter.com/eHBscccmAl
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 21, 2019
Orlando already had one of the best defenses in the league last season with of similar style to the one just recently drafted. Where head coach Steve Clifford struggled is getting offensive production out of his perimeter players, an area in which Okeke, unfortunately, can’t help.
He’s likely to be an impact player, but he’s not the type the Magic need to help improve on its 2019 playoff appearance. Yes, he shot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc last season, but the Magic need more of a dead-eye sniper to help draw the defense out. Without one, it’s hard to see how Orlando’s offense improves moving forward.
Grade: C