The Orlando Magic shocked the entire NBA community when they selected Chuma Okeke out of Auburn with the no.16 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The reason this selection caught everyone off guard was the fact Okeke was not even listed in the first round of most mock drafts. Okeke tore his ACL during the NCAA March Madness tournament which effectively dropped his stock from a potential lottery pick to a fringe second rounder. During the tournament he would go on to flash his versatile skillset until he went down in the Sweet Sixteen.
While most Magic fans were seemingly confused and upset by the selection, he is being considered one of the biggest steals in the draft based on his potential and growth throughout his time at Auburn. Nicknamed “Big Chum” his shooting ability and defense make him an ideal fit in today’s NBA Still some fans had a hard time understanding why the Magic didn’t trade down from no .16 to the late first or 2nd round if he was indeed the target all along. When asked whether Okeke would have been available later then no. 16 Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman said “Not a chance,” Weltman continued. “I think that there were a lot of teams that had their eye on him. The kind of guys you always have to watch out for are the ones that nobody is talking about. And I don’t believe that there was any shot that he would have got to the second round at all.”Had Okeke not suffered the injury, Weltman said the Magic firmly believe he would not have been available for the Magic at 16. What sold Weltman and the Magic on Okeke, other than his pre-injury performance during the NCAA Tournament, was his basketball IQ and versatility. Weltman is the same guy drafted Giannis Antetekounmpo, so he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
The Magic front office believes they got their guy, and while he may sit out the regular season, when he comes back he should be able to fit right in as a consistent 3-and-D threat which would help the Magic immediately. With Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isacc, Mo Bamba, and Aaron Gordon along with Okeke the Magic’s young core is one of the most exciting in the league. The future for Orlando is exciting.
Magic Time 