4 Free agent reclamation projects the Timberwolves should take on
By Austin McGee
2. Chuma Okeke
After listing two point guards, we've reached our first forward. Although Minnesota signed Ingles and Dozier this offseason, the need for additional reinforcements on the wing still exists. Ingles will be 37 years old next season while Dozier hasn't appeared in an NBA game in over a year.
Enter Chuma Okeke, a former 16th overall pick by way of Auburn. The 6-foot-6 wing's strong sophomore season led to his ascension in the NBA Draft. Okeke was profiled as a versatile defender, capable of guarding up to three positions. He also shot the ball well for the Tigers, drilling 38.9 percent of his triples across two seasons.
However, an ACL tear unexpectedly cut Okeke's collegiate career short as Auburn defeated North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Following his injury, the defensive-minded forward missed his entire rookie season.
Okeke's first appearance came in 2020, about one and a half years after his injury. The former first-rounder played prominent minutes (25.2 per game) but lacked the offensive skills to remain a starter. Okeke shot a career-best 41.7 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three as a rookie.
The 6-foot-6 forward's efficiency only got worse as his career progressed. His development seemingly plateaued in Orlando, as the Magic prioritized forwards, leaving Okeke as the odd man out. Still just 25 years old, there's room for Okeke to grow into a 3-and-D role player. In Minnesota, Okeke would be granted the opportunity to play alongside several good shooters in the reserve lineup, masking his inconsistent shooting ability.