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Who is the Orlando Magic’s best individual perimeter defender?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Franz Wagner shined as a versatile defender in his rookie season with the Orlando Magic. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Franz Wagner shined as a versatile defender in his rookie season with the Orlando Magic. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chuma Okeke, Orlando Magic, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Chuma Okeke has stepped up defensively and his rhythm is coming around to make big contributions to the Orlando Magic. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

Who is the Orlando Magic’s best perimeter defender?

The Case for Chuma Okeke

Chuma Okeke is still one of the most intriguing and interesting prospects for the Orlando Magic. It is hard to say exactly what he can be or what his role will be this season.

Offensively, his shooting is likely going to be the biggest determining factor for whether he can crack the regular rotation and establish himself there for the long term.

But Okeke is going to stay in the conversation all year because he is a fantastic defender. He may well be the best perimeter defender on the team, especially against bigger forwards. And that is saying something considering how impressive the Magic’s group of young defenders are.

Chuma Okeke trailed only Gary Harris in isolation defense, giving up 0.84 points per possession on 49 possessions.

Okeke is really good at getting deflections most of all, getting 3.0 deflections per 75 possessions and 2.0 steals per 75 possessions. The steals rank him in the 98th percentile, according to Basketball Index.

Okeke’s biggest strength is simply his ability to keep players in front of him and his ability to deflect and deter to keep players from getting to their spots. From there he can contest shots well and set others up.

Unlike the other players on this list, Okeke is not nearly as quick laterally. That affects his ability to chase defenders on cuts. He can also have slower reaction times to committing to help defense or rotating to the next man. That can get him burned at times defensively.

Basketball Index rates Okeke in the 55th percentile in on-ball perimeter defense. His value tends to come in his ability to get deflections and beat initial attacks. But getting him to change direction or react quickly can burn him both on and off the ball.

This will be something Okeke needs to continue to develop. But a lot of the defensive instincts and bones are there. He has shown that in both of his seasons with the team. And Okeke still projects as a positive defender. If not one who needs to continue developing.