2019 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: The post Combine edition, OKC Thunder still focused on shooting
By Rylan Stiles
F. Auburn. 118. Scouting Report. player. Pick Analysis. Chuma Okeke. 23
Chuma Okeke was a heartbreaking story during NCAA Basketball’s March Madness, getting hurt at the beginning of the Auburn Tigers postseason run and serving as a rallying cry for the team who picked him up and played for him. But before he was sidelined with a torn left ACL in March, Okeke was an absolute force.
Okeke is a great off ball defender who bails out his teammates at times, which makes his pairing with Rudy Gobert so interesting. That would be one of the best defensive duos in the NBA if Okeke comes back healthy and at one hundred percent.
Okeke is a prototypical three and D type guy. His shot is silky smooth as he drained 38 percent of his threes a year ago.
He is not just a shooter, but Okeke is also a great cutter, a timely cutter, and that is extremely valuable for an NBA offense, especially one led by Donovan Mitchell.
Okeke will display a ton of effort on the defensive end and on the 50/50 balls, and that could be the difference maker in games, or playoff series, as Utah hopes to continue their NBA playoff streak.
If he is physically ready to play health wise, Okeke is an NBA caliber player year one and will serve as a huge impact guy.