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Heading into the NBA Draft, most of Magic Twitter probably didn’t have Chuma Okeke on their radar.
With the Auburn forward having suffered a torn ACL during the NCAA Tournament, he was slated as either a late first round pick or early second round pick in just about every mock draft. So the Magic taking Okeke with the 16th pick led to a wide range of opinion on Twitter.
Some believed that Okeke was the steal of the draft. Others said the pick was a reach.
Some were excited about Okeke’s potential once healthy. Others were disappointed the Magic added another forward and rehab project to what is an already crowded frontcourt and trainer’s room.
We collected some of the best Okeke tweets we came across and delivered them here for you, just as we did last year when the Magic drafted Mo Bamba. Now that a few days have passed and you have been able to learn more about Okeke, are you feeling better or worse about the pick?
Let’s get It! #NBADraftlive W.D.E pic.twitter.com/zqBgqm5AlK
— Chuka Okeke Jr. (@_chukaokeke) June 21, 2019
Welcome to the @OrlandoMagic... @chuma_okeke! pic.twitter.com/PaLtv87Q1o
— NBA (@NBA) June 22, 2019
Jeff Weltman, Chuma Okeke and Steve Clifford: pic.twitter.com/kA4tnFrVtG
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) June 21, 2019
Interesting data below:
— Orlando Pinstriped Post (@OPPMagicBlog) June 21, 2019
Okeke stacks up solidly with other lottery prospects when it comes to shooting/spacing, creating second-chance opportunities, defensive awareness/instincts, and overall production.
You got a really good one Magic fans!
pic.twitter.com/u67QCRj2rt
Renee’ Okeke, mom of new @OrlandoMagic F Chuma Okeke, said her son already has a built-in support system with his grandmother and aunt living in Deltona, FL. Family was hoping for Orlando to be Chuma’s landing spot.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) June 21, 2019
Congratulations to @chuma_okeke on winning a championship with the Orlando Magic next season!!!
— Cameron Magruder (@ScooterMagruder) June 21, 2019
So everyone thinks the WeltHam secret is drafting based on wingspan..
— Orlando Magic Zone✨ (@OMagicZone) June 21, 2019
I think the real secret is drafting players based on former hit songs.
Think about it, last year with Mo Bamba. This year with chuma oKEKE? I don’t think it’s a coincidence. pic.twitter.com/iNfjp1xcel
What is the Orlando Magic for 500 Alex https://t.co/C3cOcJKAf2
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) June 21, 2019
Quick Video Montage: @chuma_okeke pic.twitter.com/okbB7evekF
— y - MagicHQ (@ORLMagicHQ) June 22, 2019
If any of you got a problem with Chuma I’ll meet you in the alley beside Sky Bar in Auburn, Alabama pic.twitter.com/EzZnOs3Dha
— Country Roads, Take Me hOMAHAAA (@sheabooskyy) June 21, 2019
.@chuma_okeke to the @OrlandoMagic! @ChrisVernonShow approves: https://t.co/aK8lEMPAh4 pic.twitter.com/eHBscccmAl
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 21, 2019
.@chuma_okeke makes Auburn @NBADraft history after being chosen No. 16 by the @OrlandoMagic.
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) June 21, 2019
First Tiger selected since Jamison Brewer in 2001
Seventh 1st round selection all-time
Fifth-highest selection in program history#WarEagle x #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/3IBfIiSPYU
Boom!
— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) June 21, 2019
Hell yes. Nobody deserves it more than @chuma_okeke. Guess we’re magic fans now ♂️ ♀️ https://t.co/r1JEYYazE0
— Barstool Auburn (@WarDamnStool) June 21, 2019
My Magic select Chuma Okeke! pic.twitter.com/uwP5ftCVTl
— Cammy Cabernet (@CammyCabernet) June 21, 2019
Chuma Okeke deserves all of the praise tonight, BUT
— #DoItForChuma (@aubawn) June 21, 2019
Okeke was picked #16 after getting hurt even though he was barely a top-50 recruit in high school just two years ago. Bruce Pearl just got another big recruiting tool.
A rival Eastern Con GM called the @OrlandoMagic front office on Friday to congratulate them on drafting former @AuburnMBB F Chuma Okeke. The Magic were told that if they hadn't picked Okeke that that team was planning to grab him, according to a source close to the situation.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) June 21, 2019
One scout had now-Magic F Chuma Okeke as his most underrated prospect headed into this draft. (He was not a Magic scout, btw.) Turns out he was not so underrated after all ... Other guys on the list:https://t.co/AEAn8ynnIj
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) June 21, 2019
6-7, 233 lbs + 20-year-old #Auburn wing Chuma Okeke, the 16th pick by the @OrlandoMagic, was the glue who held the #Tigers together during their impressive 2018-19 season. Here are highlights from his performance #Sweet16 performance vs. #UNC pic.twitter.com/TtOcxHdAT3
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 21, 2019
Seeing people expressing disappointment about this draft. And some disappointment is fair. I would not call this an ‘A' draft. It is probably an Incomplete at best and realistically a ‘C' or ‘B-' kind of draft. But this was a long-term play. That I am not surprised at.
— Orlando Magic Daily (@OMagicDaily) June 21, 2019
Y’all remember when Chuma Okeke was selected in the 1st round of NBA draft but wasn’t even selected to SEC 1st or 2nd team? pic.twitter.com/t0L7g9Cd9q
— Greg Duckworth (@Duck4Auburn) June 21, 2019
When the Magic interviewed their pick, they asked him, “Okeke, do you love me?"
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) June 21, 2019
— Jeff WeltGawd (@MagicMan816) June 21, 2019
Here's an early look at Chuma Okeke on 2K. pic.twitter.com/SSTgrEy9PQ
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) June 21, 2019
stealing your money maybe since he won’t play a single minute this season ☺️
— S L Ø M A R (@Omar_Hakh) June 21, 2019
The word “steal” has been misused tonight.
— David Baumann (@DavidBaumannORL) June 21, 2019
He’d truly be a “steal” if the Magic picked him at 46 & he turned out to be a very good player.
But at 16, it’s different. That’s way higher than any mock had him.
“Stretch” is the right word at 16. & if he’s good, cool! #PureMagic https://t.co/eJEs6oBwfq
when The Magic unleash their 7’ wingspan lineup in the 2030 finals >
— beyond the RK (@beyondtheRK) June 22, 2019
Jonathan Isaac
DaQuan Jeffries
Aaron Gordon
Chuma Okeke
Mo Bamba pic.twitter.com/9rkvnRZe6Y
Congratulations @chuma_okeke! @westlakelions is proud of your accomplishments! pic.twitter.com/ZJPlpgLAnp
— Westlake High School (@westlakelions) June 21, 2019
Jonathan Isaac, Aaron Gordon, Chuma Okeke plus Mo Bamba. I dunno.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) June 21, 2019
Don’t understand why we stretched on Okeke after seemingly committing to Gordon and Isaac this year. Everyone thinks our front office has a better idea of how to manage after making the playoffs one year but I’m reverting to pessimism. Need to make a move in free agency.
— Thank you __ , very cool! (@S_M___I___T_H) June 21, 2019
Dude the Magic are going to have a top 3 defense for a very long time:
— NotZay (@NotZay22) June 22, 2019
Chuma Okeke
Aaron Gordon
Mo Bamba (tentatively)
Jonathan Isaac
DaQuan Jeffries
Wesley Iwundu
Khem Birch
Most lineups are switchy with both toolsy and (some) high IQ team defenders and defensive playmakers
Let’s goooo @chuma_okeke! Now let’s get to work!
— Mo Bamba (@TheRealMoBamba) June 21, 2019
Last one of the night:
— Alpha (@TweetsFromAlpha) June 24, 2019
I don’t think Orlando Magic fans fully understand what you guys got with Okeke as your 1st round pick so I’ll tell you all you need to know.
Chuma has unlimited potential and has gotten exponentially better in every facet of his game year by year.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/wJlIcC2QUc
@chuma_okeke = Steal of the Draft!! Say it loud enough for everyone in the back!! #WarEagle
— Steven Pearl (@StevenPearl22) June 21, 2019
@chuma_okeke https://t.co/Cu2r48OMw0
— Jonathan Isaac (@JJudahIsaac) June 21, 2019
Ok @Coachbrucepearl that point forward spot in your system pays off once again! @Chuma_okeke do your thing out there bro!!
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) June 21, 2019
Chuma Okeke at 16 is not a reach. pic.twitter.com/0DcuLCyrHn
— #DoItForChuma (@aubawn) June 21, 2019
Thoughts on #Magic rookie by #ESPN Analysts ... pic.twitter.com/JZvfJkvC2I
— Pure Magic 4️⃣0️⃣7️⃣ (@PureMagic407) June 21, 2019
Takeways from this pick
— keanu (@keanukargar) June 21, 2019
- The Magic took the best player available on their board
- They are confident in Markelle Fultz
- They are targeting a guard in free agency
- WELCOME CHUMA OKEKE !
Here’s the contract information for Chuma Okeke’s slot as the No. 16 overall pick to the Orlando Magic, per RealGM.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) June 21, 2019
Draft picks can sign the deal for anywhere from 80 to 120 percent of their spot on the rookie scale. pic.twitter.com/0HFyQAazsy
Chuma Okeke is taking his talents to Orlando, but his great Instagram posts, locations and tags will last forever. pic.twitter.com/jDXPvUo6Go
— #DoItForChuma (@aubawn) June 21, 2019
@chuma_okeke @BeORLMagic @OrlandoMagic @MagicManBrandon what do you think of this for a nickname? I think it would look great on a shirt. pic.twitter.com/O2jbXuL547
— Alicia Reese (@Roxymoxi) June 22, 2019
My favorite player!! I named my kitten after him.... here is Chuma OKitty pic.twitter.com/mzWhSPDsBy
— Carol Fowler (@WarEagle1114) June 22, 2019
This kid is gonna be a beast when he comes back from his injury. Welcome to the O, @chuma_okeke!!!
— Be Magic Or Be Gone! (@BeORLMagic) June 21, 2019
: @AuburnMBB
pic.twitter.com/OkSZ34pU69
@OrlandoMagic Do you realize the whole Auburn Family just moved in!! #wareagle #AuburnFamily #GoMagic #ChumaOkeke @AuburnMBB @chuma_okeke pic.twitter.com/6mGrLHmJOs
— Bob Herren (@bherrenwde90) June 21, 2019
LETS GO CHUMA WELCOME TO THE LONGBOIS #PureMagic pic.twitter.com/MVzivB1bBq
— DEFEND THE KINGDOM (@OtownMagicMemes) June 21, 2019