Former first-round pick Chuma Okeke is heading to the New York Knicks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post later confirmed that it is a non-guaranteed one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum.
Knicks Take A Flier On 2019 First-Round Pick
Least Playing Time Of His Career Last Season
After playing two seasons at Auburn, Okeke was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. The six-foot-six forward was taken in the first round despite tearing his ACL in a Sweet 16 victory over North Carolina in 2019. He missed the entire 2019-20 season and didn’t sign his rookie contract until the 2020 offseason.
Turning 26 on August 18, Okeke is coming off his fourth NBA season, during which he saw his least playing time for the Magic. In 47 games (eight starts), he played just 9.2 minutes per contest in 2023-24, averaging 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds. In Orlando’s first-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, he played in just two games for a total of 10 minutes.
The Magic gave Okeke significant playing time during his first two seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22, combining for 115 games and averaging 25.1 minutes per game. With extended time on the court, he averaged 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, entering the league known more for his defensive prowess, which continued with Orlando.
Unfortunately, the torn ACL suffered by Okeke before joining the NBA foreshadowed further health issues. He played 70 games in 2022-23 but has averaged less than 40 in his other three seasons, not including the lost season at the start of his career.
In 189 regular season games, Okeke has career averages of 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds, with shooting splits of .383/.318/.789.
Okeke May Have Difficulty Cracking the Knicks’ Roster
With the recent re-signing of Precious Achiuwa, the Knicks have 13 guaranteed contracts for next season. Jericho Sims could be the 14th, as his deal becomes fully guaranteed on August 16.
That would leave just one roster spot available, and New York might choose to leave it open. If Okeke does not make the opening day roster, he could start the year in the G League for the Westchester Knicks. It’s a low-risk move for the Knicks to see if they can unlock some of Okeke’s untapped potential.
