Re-drafting the 2019 NBA Draft: Matisse Thybulle rises, Sixers grab scorer

Re-drafting the 2019 NBA Draft — 21. Chuma Okeke, Memphis Grizzlies

Chuma Okeke essentially redshirted his first NBA season, making his “rookie” debut in 2020 instead. He performed as advertised — a mostly reliable 3-and-D forward with positional versatility and a team-friendly game. The Magic have a lot of depth at forward, and the Grizzlies are no different. Even so, Okeke just feels like he will stick around a while.

Memphis has done a good job surrounding Ja Morant with players of varying skill types. Okeke can fit into any lineup and any offense. He doesn’t command the ball, but he can step up and hit shots when afforded the opportunity. Efficiency was a problem last season, but Okeke was returning from a serious knee injury. After the All-Star break, he looked like not only a reliable shooter, but someone who can occasionally create his own looks.

Defense was a strong suit for Okeke at Auburn, and he should regain form in time. We have decidedly less concrete data on Okeke than most players on this list, but the talent and player archetype are impossible to overlook.