The 2019 NBA Draft, after the first three picks of Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and R.J. Barrett, was chock-full of surprises both in the lottery and just outside of it.
In the lottery, the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves both traded up to get their guy, the Phoenix Suns traded back to get a guy that would’ve likely been available ten spots later and the Washington Wizards took a gamble at No. 9 overall.
One team that made waves just outside the lottery was the Orlando Magic at No. 16 overall. After the Detroit Pistons nabbed a player that was widely regarded as a lottery-level talent in Sekou Doumbouya at No. 15 overall, the Magic stepped up to the podium and nabbed Chuma Okeke out of Auburn with the next selection.
While Okeke was certainly a lauded prospect, his range was seen as a bit later than just outside of the lottery. As such, this was something of a risk for Orlando – especially seeing as Okeke is coming off a torn ACL in the NCAA Tournament.
Okeke was quoted in a story on NBA.com about being thankful the Magic took a chance on him at #16 overall, despite his injury.
“It’s a real good feeling. You know it kind of doesn’t feel real right now, it’s just a real blessing after my ACL injury. I really didn’t see this coming, but they gave me a chance. (Going down injured) really hurt a lot, but the moment (in Thursday’s NBA Draft), that brought a lot of joy to me, my family, my friends. This is what we all worked hard for together, so, that kind of replaced the pain I thought.’’
Expect Okeke to sit out the majority if not all of the 2019-20 season, perhaps debuting after the All-Star break.
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