Orlando Magic: 3 players who can break into starting lineup
By Jacob Warfle
Orlando Magic starter breakthroughs: Chuma Okeke
A starter in 19 games last season, Chuma Okeke showed he is more than capable of holding down a forward spot in the starting lineup.
With all of the offseason movement going on, I am afraid many may have forgotten about Okeke, as it is easy to get lost in the roster shuffle.
Drafted 16th overall in 2019, Okeke’s initial rise to the starting lineup was sort of a slow burn. He spent all of the 2020 season with the Lakeland Magic recovering from his ACL injury he suffered at Auburn.
In his true rookie season, Okeke struggled to get consistent minutes until the flurry of moves the Orlando Magic made last March. This opened up more opportunities and thrust Okeke into the starting lineup.
His per-game numbers were nothing crazy, but his presence was definitely felt. He averaged 7.8 points per game and shot a 49.2-percent effective field goal percentage for the season. After the trade deadline, Okeke started in all 17 games he played and averaged 12.5 points per game with a 49.2-percent effective field goal percentage.
Okeke immediately became the defensive tone-setter, with great on-ball instincts and athleticism.
Okeke is one of those players who is hard to keep off the floor. It would not be surprising if he did not start the first game this season for the Magic. But that will not last. His effect on the game to undeniable.
In order to take over a starting role and sustain it, Okeke will need to improve his offensive arsenal. He has shown the ability to known down jumpers, but there is more to be desired in terms of creation and playmaking.