#27. Brooklyn Nets (via Denver Nuggets) — Chuma Okeke
Chuma Okeke was having the best game of his career against the UNC Tar Heels before he tore his ACL, which ruined what had been a promising season in its latter stages. Still though, the Auburn Tigers continued to march in March – making it all the way to the Final Four before being ousted in dramatic fashion by the eventual champion, University of Virginia.
Okeke would be a terrific get for the Brooklyn Nets as an interesting combo big man with tremendous defensive instincts, a workable three-point shot and an all-around impactful skill bank that conveys tremendous upside as a role player.
With this pick, which the Nets acquired from the Nuggets in the Kenneth Faried deal, they would be adding another enticing piece to a young core that features a slew of interesting players. Okeke plus the earlier-acquired Grant Williams alongside Allen, Levert and Kurucs! That sounds like a super-fun and extremely entertaining team that could make some noise in the playoffs sooner than later.
At 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds as well as a willingness to let it fly from deep (40 of 101 from NBA three-point range per The Stepien, 39.6%), Okeke projects as a modern power forward – perfectly fitting into the Nets’ roster construct as it stands now.