Magic’s 1st Rounder Okeke Unwillingly to 4-Year Sign Contract Until 2020

Well, this is an interesting developing story.

A concept used on the collegiate level, being redshirted allows players to maintain their eligibility status without stepping onto court. For instance, many colleges choose to redshirt freshmen who aren’t physically mature enough to play just yet, granting them a year of skill development and physical maturation without costing them a year of collegiate eligibility.

Sources: The Orlando Magic plan to redshirt No. 16 overall pick Chuma Okeke this season. Creative move by both sides allows Okeke to focus on ACL rehab while still being in team's long-term plans and receiving salary of 16th pick.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 23, 2019

It appears as though the Orlando Magic are prepared to get creative and essentially “redshirt” first round pick Chuma Okeke this upcoming season as the former Auburn standout rehabilitates an knee injury. Okeke suffered a torn ACL in Auburn’s Sweet 16 victory in last season’s NCAA Tournament. A month later, the Magic selected Okeke with the 16th overall pick.

The move will give Okeke enough time to rehab his injury and grant him extra pay next year as the salary cap is set to increase. If Okeke’s rehab progresses well, he will be able to sign a G League contract this year.