Former Auburn Tiger and NCAA Tournament hero Chuma Okeke signed a 10-Day contract with the New York Knicks on Thursday. While the contract is not guaranteed, the 25-year-old will have the chance to earn a roster spot in training camp.
A former first round draft pick in the 2019 draft, Okeke had spent the entirety of his career with the Orlando Magic until they declined to offer him a new contract this offseason, mainly due his inability to stay on the court. Injuries have unfortunately plagued the 6-foot-7 forward ever since his final season with the Tigers in 2019.
After tearing his ACL in the Elite 8 against UNC, Okeke worked his way back to health and managed to become a solid rotation piece for the Magic over the course of his first two seasons in the NBA. Since then, the former Tiger has played just 74 games in two seasons, failing to reach the 20 minutes per game mark in 2023 before dropping to just 9.2 minutes per contest last season.
Despite the health concerns, the Knicks clearly see something in the former first rounder, who is still just 25 years old. If he can re-discover the flashes he showed during his sophomore season at Auburn, New York may have found a gem in this free agent class.
In parts of four seasons in the NBA, the former Tiger top recruit is averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 20.3 minutes per game.
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