POWER forward Chuma Okeke put together an impressive campaign in the G League as a member of the Westchester Knicks, earning multiple 10-day contracts in the NBA before earning a full deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Once a first round draft pick, Okeke has been forced to revive his career in the G League, after struggling to make his mark in the first few years of his career. However, it proved to be an inspired move for the big man, who has made his way to the top level with an excellent campaign.

Okeke was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, initially expected to be a lottery selection before an ACL injury saw him slide down the order. Although it took him a while to find his feet with the Magic, he began to put up 20-plus point performances in the 2020/21 season and show what he was capable of.

Unfortunately, injuries struck again, and he was unable to be on the court consistently. Okeke was on and off New York’s roster, before settling with Westchester at G League level. NBA teams were still interested with Philadelphia briefly securing his signature midway through the season, but he spent most of the campaign with Westchester.

The power forward was an excellent performer when suiting up for the Knicks, proving a three-level scorer who liked to stretch the floor and cash in from long range. He suited up on 26 occasions for Westchester and played a crucial role in getting them into the postseason.

It was a huge blow for the Knicks when they lost their star forward to the NBA when the Cavaliers came knocking, rewarding him for his excellent form in the G League, as well as an exciting stint with the 76ers. He had the capability to take over a match, and could score the ball in a multitude of ways to make him a tough defensive matchup.

Across his time with the Knicks, Okeke averaged 17.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 42.6 per cent from the field, 36 per cent from three-point land and 65.5 per cent from the free throw line.

Although dominant in the G League, his credentials were furthered during his short stint with Philadelphia, playing seven games (including three starts) to average 6.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in an eye-catching display.

At 26 years of age, Okeke is about to enter his prime as a player, and has shown the ability to dominate at G League level and contribute at NBA level. Selection to the All-NBA G League Third Team was reward for effort, and he has certainly done enough to justify a contract at the top level.