Orlando Magic Daily
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3 Magic players that earned untouchable status, 2 that could be cut loose

By Luke Duffy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 03: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic celebrates his dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves with teammate Paolo Banchero #5 in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 03: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic celebrates his dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves with teammate Paolo Banchero #5 in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 11: Chuma Okeke of the Orlando Magic drives to the net against Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 11: Chuma Okeke of the Orlando Magic drives to the net against Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

3 players to keep, 2 in danger for the Orlando Magic

1. Chuma Okeke

There was a time not too long ago when it felt like the Orlando Magic’s rebuild had taken a step forward, and passed both Mo Bamba and Jonathan Isaac by.

This was why Bamba was traded, and although Isaac looked tremendous defensively in the 11 games he played before going out again for the rest of the season, he too could yet be done with the Magic.

Chuma Okeke suddenly finds himself occupying this position, and his spot on the roster is under serious scrutiny. It is unfortunate injuries limited him to only 24 games this season.

It is also fair to say that when healthy, he has the kind of big body to be an interesting choice in the Magic’s wing rotation to slow down flashy scorers.

Okeke has shown he can do this, but it has just not happened enough. He has started 46 games across three seasons, while never coming close to averaging double-digits in scoring. This is a concern.

Next. 7 players the Orlando Magic gave up on too soon. dark

It is made worse by the fact Paolo Banchero, Markelle Fultz, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris and even Moe Wagner have successfully absorbed his minutes while he has been injured.

The Magic are likely adding at least two draft picks and potentially a free agent or two. Someone is going to find it hard to make an opportunity for themselves among all these young players. Like R.J. Hampton, someone is going to get squeezed out of the rotation.

It never feels like he is missing when he is not out there, which is about the worst thing you can say about a player trying to carve out a role on a young roster.

There was a place for Okeke on this roster. There may even still be a reduced one. But with the two incoming lottery picks sure to shake things up, Okeke’s time with the Magic looks to be up.