Orlando Magic’s rookie forward Chuma Okeke, who they took 16th overall pick in 2019 NBA Draft, will have to wait a bit more to make his debut in the league. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Okeke will have a redshirt year in 2019/20 and won’t sign his rookie contract until next season.
Okeke suffered an ACL injury during the 2019 NCAA Tournament and is set to miss the majority of the season. By letting him redshirt, Magic will give the 21-year-old an opportunity to rehab and then join the team and play his rookie year in 2020/21.
Magic will give Chuma Okeke a redshirt year by signing him with their G-League affiliate Lakeland Magic, where he can take his time recovering. Okeke also might end up playing several games towards the end of the season, which could get him more prepared for the NBA.
Okeke played college basketball at Auburn, where he spent two seasons. In his sophomore year, he averaged 12.0 points per game, while also adding 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Okeke is also considered to be a tireless defender and he has the ability to defend multiple positions.
