Tag: Chuma Okeke

Okeke shines in Magic’s win over Golden State

The former Auburn forward had a lights-out performance against the defending NBA champions on Thursday night.

One former Tiger held his coming out party in Orlando on Thursday night.

Former Auburn forward [autotag]Chuma Okeke[/autotag] played a key role in the Orlando Magic’s win over Golden State. He scored a season-high 16 points while pulling down nine rebounds while going 3-for-5 from beyond the arc in Orlando’s 130-129 win over the defending NBA Finals champions. 

Okeke made the most noise in the first quarter. He scored 12 points by going 4-for-4 from the field and secured four rebounds.

Okeke has found a groove over the last two games. In two games since the month of November began, Okeke has shot 66.7% from the field and has gradually increased his points and rebounds.

The Magic seem to play better the more that Okeke is on the floor. His 27 minutes of game time during Thursday’s win was the second-highest amount of time that Okeke has played this season. His longest outing came on Oct. 28 at home against the Charlotte Hornets. He played 29 minutes and scored 10 points against fellow former Tiger JT Thor’s squad.

The next game for Okeke and the Orlando Magic is set for Saturday evening at home against the Sacramento Kings.

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Jabari Smith is ready to compete “where he is wanted”

Smith is not going to let the disappointment of dropping to No. 3 overall keep him from playing hard for the Houston Rockets.

[autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag] was all but a lock to be taken No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft according to multiple mock drafts leading to draft night.

However, when the Orlando Magic elected to go in another direction by choosing Duke’s Paolo Banchero, it became a shock to many, including Smith.

Smith would then slide to No. 3 overall and be taken by the Houston Rockets. Smith was expectedly upset that he was not taken No. 1 overall, but says that he understands that it is all a part of a greater plan and that he is ready to thrive for the Rockets.

“Definitely added a chip, but God makes no mistakes, so I’m happy to be here,” Smith told reporters on Thursday night. “I’m happy to be where I’m wanted. I’m happy to get to Houston and just show them… Give them what they picked. Just happy to be here.”

Although the Rockets are in “rebuilding mode”, they are a franchise known for making deep playoff runs. Smith is hungry to get Houston back to their days of glory.

“I want to make the playoffs,” Smith said during his interview on ESPN. “I want to win games. That is how I was raised. That is just who I am. I want to come in and win games. I know if I come in every day trying to win, everything else will take care of itself. I am looking forward to a big year.”

Smith, along with Walker Kessler, became the third and fourth players from Auburn to be drafted in the first round since 2019, joining [autotag]Chuma Okeke[/autotag] (Magic) and [autotag]Isaac Okoro[/autotag] (Hawks). They are also the 9th and 10th players in Auburn history to be taken in the first round of the NBA Draft.

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Bruce Pearl shares why he thinks Jabari Smith is a top NBA Draft pick

Pearl offered insight as to why Jabari Smith is deserving of the hype on a local radio show Tuesday afternoon.

As the NBA Draft approaches, it is rare to find any mock drafts that do not list [autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag] as a top-two pick.

The forward from Auburn has been on the radar of NBA franchises ever since he stepped foot on campus, and has gotten more attention following his freshman season which saw him average 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

While Smith has the size and skill set needed to have a prosperous career in the NBA, his college head coach says that Smith’s journey to the NBA began way before his arrival to the Plains.

Auburn head coach [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] joined local radio show “Sportscall” on Tiger 95.9 FM in Auburn (click here to listen to the full interview) on Tuesday to discuss a plethora of topics, including Smith. When asked what he tells NBA scouts and executives when they ask about Smith, Pearl says that his work ethic is among the best that he’s ever seen. Pearl says that “work ethic” is a craft that Smith has worked to perfect since he was in high school.

“What people do not realize is how long and how disciplined he has worked over the last four or five years to get to this point,” Pearl said. “It started in high school, he was a “6:30 in the morning, everyday, get up and get in the gym”  guy. Who does that at 14, 15, and 16 years old? His high school coach deserves a lot of credit, his family deserves a lot of credit. This is what an NBA All Star looks like, and that’s why he’s going to go number one (overall).” 

Pearl also mentioned that Smith is a great teammate, which bodes well for NBA franchises that are looking for that one piece to move them in a positive direction.

“All Jabari cares about is winning, so therefore, he had a tremendous leadership role on this team. He just wanted to come in and get better and grow as a person and a player,” said Pearl. “He didn’t care who got the credit. His teammates are genuinely happy for him because of the kind of person he is, the kind of teammate he is, the kind of friend he is.”

In the latest mock draft by USA Today’s Rookie Wire, Smith is projected to land with the Oklahoma City Thunder with the no. 2 overall pick, citing that Smith would be a valuable addition to Oklahoma City’s core.

On the other hand, Sports Illustrated has Smith joining fellow Auburn product [autotag]Chuma Okeke[/autotag] in Orlando, with the Magic projected to take Smith at no. 1 overall. According to Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated, Smith would be an excellent fit for the Magic’s system, and has the ability to be a culture-setter for a franchise “still searching for their identity.”

Smith continues to prepare for the NBA Draft, which is set for Thursday, June 23.

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Jalen Green continues elite efficiency in Houston’s loss at Orlando

Rookie guard Jalen Green had another strong game, but it wasn’t enough for Houston to win in a matchup at Orlando that potentially had significant stakes for 2022 NBA draft positioning.

Rookie guard Jalen Green continued his run of strong efficiency, but it wasn’t enough for the Rockets in Friday’s 119-111 loss (box score) at Orlando. Houston has now lost eight consecutive games overall.

The result was arguably more important from the perspective of 2022 NBA draft odds. With the victory, the Magic (14-47) only have one less win than the rebuilding Rockets (15-44) in the race for the NBA’s worst record and the best potential odds related to 2022 draft positioning.

Green led Houston with 23 points and 4 steals on 9-of-16 shooting (56.3%), including 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%), but backcourt mate Kevin Porter Jr. shot just 2-of-10 (20.0%) and only played 21 minutes due to a left ankle injury. Head coach Stephen Silas said postgame that he did yet not know the severity. Big man Christian Wood had 21 points and 11 rebounds, though he made only 3-of-13 free throws (23.1%).

Chuma Okeke scored 26 points off the bench for Orlando, including a dagger 3-pointer in the closing minutes to put the game away. Overall, Okeke hit 5-of-7 shots (71.4%) from 3-point range.

On the interior, Wendell Carter Jr. added 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic on 9-of-11 shooting (81.8%), and his 5-of-7 night (71.4%) from the free-throw line was a significant improvement relative to Wood.

Scroll on for highlights and analysis from Friday’s game in Orlando, as well as postgame interviews and media/fan reaction.

Auburn in the NBA: Reviewing Chuma Okeke’s rookie season

Chuma Okeke’s rookie season with the Orlando Magic was full of highlights and great games from the former Auburn star.

Chuma Okeke’s official rookie season came to an end in the Orlando Magic’s victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 28th. Okeke did not return to the court after a sprained ankle sent him to the locker room with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks for the night.

The former 16th overall draft pick spent his inaugural rookie season rehabbing with the Magic’s G-League team in Lakeland before returning to Orlando in December for NBA preseason action. Okeke scored nine points and recorded three rebounds in the Magic’s preseason debut against the Atlanta Hawks. He logged minutes in five of the Magic’s December contests before a bone bruise forced him to miss the entire month of January.

Upon his return to the court in February, Magic head coach Steve Clifford had nothing but high praise for his young forward.

“I think on both ends, obviously, he was terrific for a guy that hasn’t played for a while. He had a great first half. He also does a lot of the little things. He is very smart, high IQ, and not having him has been a hit for our team. It’s good to get him back.”

Clifford and the Magic coaching staff have been very careful in timing Okeke’s return from the torn ACL he sustained during Auburn’s Final Four run. Finally on March 12th Okeke was given his first career start against the San Antonio Spurs and oh yes, he made headlines. The Magic were down 53-41 in the third quarter against the Spurs when Keldon Johnson was called for an aggressive foul against Okeke. The call sent the former Auburn star to the line where he made all three free throws. The Magic then retained possession of the ball giving Okeke the green light to sink an open three.

The Big Chum we all remember was BACK and the Magic soon made it clear that they were all in on Okeke.

At the trade deadline the Magic sent center Nikola Vucevic to the Bulls, forward Aaron Gordon to the Nuggets, and wing Evan Fournier to the Celtics to make way for Okeke. Four days later Okeke scored a career high 22 points against Portland. Late March 2021 Okeke looked very reminiscent of March 2019 Okeke. In the Magic’s last four games for the month of March Okeke totaled 71 points, 5 steals, 9 assists, and 19 rebounds. His impact helped the Magic finish 2-2 through that four game slate after they’d began the month on a 9-game losing streak.

Okeke’s performance at the end of March catapulted him all the way to No. 2 in CBS Sports’ NBA Rookie Power Ranking.

Okeke’s rookie season may be over, but his career is just getting started. If he can manage to stay healthy through next season he will go on an absolute tear.

Auburn in the NBA: Reviewing Chuma Okeke’s rookie season

Chuma Okeke’s rookie season with the Orlando Magic was full of highlights and great games from the former Auburn star.

Chuma Okeke’s official rookie season came to an end in the Orlando Magic’s victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 28th. Okeke did not return to the court after a sprained ankle sent him to the locker room with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks for the night.

The former 16th overall draft pick spent his inaugural rookie season rehabbing with the Magic’s G-League team in Lakeland before returning to Orlando in December for NBA preseason action. Okeke scored nine points and recorded three rebounds in the Magic’s preseason debut against the Atlanta Hawks. He logged minutes in five of the Magic’s December contests before a bone bruise forced him to miss the entire month of January.

Upon his return to the court in February, Magic head coach Steve Clifford had nothing but high praise for his young forward.

“I think on both ends, obviously, he was terrific for a guy that hasn’t played for a while. He had a great first half. He also does a lot of the little things. He is very smart, high IQ, and not having him has been a hit for our team. It’s good to get him back.”

Clifford and the Magic coaching staff have been very careful in timing Okeke’s return from the torn ACL he sustained during Auburn’s Final Four run. Finally on March 12th Okeke was given his first career start against the San Antonio Spurs and oh yes, he made headlines. The Magic were down 53-41 in the third quarter against the Spurs when Keldon Johnson was called for an aggressive foul against Okeke. The call sent the former Auburn star to the line where he made all three free throws. The Magic then retained possession of the ball giving Okeke the green light to sink an open three.

The Big Chum we all remember was BACK and the Magic soon made it clear that they were all in on Okeke.

At the trade deadline the Magic sent center Nikola Vucevic to the Bulls, forward Aaron Gordon to the Nuggets, and wing Evan Fournier to the Celtics to make way for Okeke. Four days later Okeke scored a career high 22 points against Portland. Late March 2021 Okeke looked very reminiscent of March 2019 Okeke. In the Magic’s last four games for the month of March Okeke totaled 71 points, 5 steals, 9 assists, and 19 rebounds. His impact helped the Magic finish 2-2 through that four game slate after they’d began the month on a 9-game losing streak.

Okeke’s performance at the end of March catapulted him all the way to No. 2 in CBS Sports’ NBA Rookie Power Ranking.

Okeke’s rookie season may be over, but his career is just getting started. If he can manage to stay healthy through next season he will go on an absolute tear.

Magic’s Chuma Okeke: Out Friday vs. Grizzlies with ankle sprain

The Magic rookie suffered the injury on Wednesday in a win over the Cavaliers.

Orlando Magic rookie Chuma Okeke will not play Friday on the road versus the Memphis Grizzlies due to a sprained left ankle, acting head coach Ty Corbin said prior to the game.

Okeke suffered the injury on Wednesday in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He appeared to have stepped on the foot of Cavaliers guard Darius Garland and looked to be in immediate pain. He eventually left and hobbled back to the locker room.

The team is not yet sure how much time Okeke will miss.

“He has a sprained ankle,” Corbin said. “We don’t exactly know how long (he’ll be out) right now. He is in a boot for a little bit so we’ll see. Hopefully, he’ll be back with us soon.”

The Magic rookie missed 16 games earlier this season with a knee injury and one game earlier in April with a sore right hip. He has emerged as the starting power forward following the trade of Aaron Gordon last month and is averaging 11.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists as a starter.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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WATCH: Chuma Okeke absolutely posterizes Andre Drummond on dunk

Former Auburn star and current Orlando Magic forward Chuma Okeke made Andre Drummond look ridiculous on this dunk.

This was absolutely filthy.

Former Auburn star Chuma Okeke, now playing for the Orlando Magic, went up and over Los Angeles Lakers’ Andre Drummond for this dunk that just has to be seen.

Chuma Okeke absolutely posterized Andre Drummond on this filthy one-handed dunk

Just pure domination from Chuma Okeke.

Andre Drummond will be seeing this Chuma Okeke dunk in his dreams for some time. On Monday, early in the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Orlando Magic, Okeke went up and over the top to get a gorgeous dunk at Drummond’s expense.

Cole Anthony started the play with a pass back to Okeke behind the three-point line. Instead of opting for the three-point play, Okeke rushed in to take advantage of the Lakers’ collapsed defense, stretching out to throw down a filthy dunk right over Drummond’s head.

It was a great play, with Okeke getting a full extension to get up and over Drummond for the one-handed dunk.

That was definitely not Drummond’s best moment there for sure, but major props to Okeke for rushing down the Lakers’ center and taking full advantage of the opportunity.

You don’t often see dunks as crisp as that every day.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Flynn, Hampton impress in expanded roles

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2020-21 season.

By this point of the year, teams around the NBA have a good idea if they are battling for playoff positioning or pingpong balls as the season begins to wind down.

With more clarity on their prospective paths, some organizations have started to prioritize the development of rookies and other younger players. As a result, several rookies have emerged with strong performances in their expanded roles.

To make sense of it all, we took a look at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the latest edition of the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the best players week to week.