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Orlando Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman on Monday said that Chuma Okeke, the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is in the late stages of his recovery from knee surgery, according to Philip Rossman-Reich of Orlando Magic Daily.
The former Auburn forward suffered an ACL tear in his left knee in March 2019 against North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. Okeke is the only unsigned first-round pick from the 2019 NBA Draft after he agreed to redshirt the 2019-20 season in order to rehab his knee.
Okeke has spent much of his time rehabbing with the Magic’s G League affiliate in Lakeland, roughly one hour west of Orlando. He has practiced with some of the team’s G League players and has supported his teammates in Lakeland.
Jeff Weltman said Chuma Okeke is in the late stages of his rehab. Tricky part is they don’t know the workout protocols for teams yet. Okeke is going to need live action, Weltman said. #Magic
— Orlando Magic Daily (@OMagicDaily) August 31, 2020
The road back for Okeke is not complete yet, however. He will still need to participate in 5-on-5 practices with the Magic. Due to workout restrictions, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the team is unsure when he will be able to practice with the team ahead of next season.
The Magic view Okeke as a potential player that can impact games on both ends of the floor. Head coach Steve Clifford believes Okeke is a perfect fit with the team as a player that is versatile on defense and can help stretch the floor on offense.
The organization has high hopes for Okeke and Weltman has said in the past that the team will not rush him back into action early but it appears likely that Okeke will suit up for the Magic next season.
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