Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro make NBA debuts

Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro make NBA debutsChuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro make NBA debuts

Isaac Okoro

AUBURN, Ala. – Former Auburn standouts Chuma Okeke and Isaac Okoro made their professional debuts as the 2020-21 National Basketball Association season officially tipped off Wednesday night.

Okeke, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, played 22 minutes off the bench as the Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat, 113-107. The Atlanta, Ga. native had three points on 1 of 3 from the floor and added five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Okoro, No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, started and played 34 minutes for the Cleveland Cavaliers in their opening night victory against the Charlotte Hornets, 121-114. The Power Springs, Ga. native had 11 points on 4 of 5 from the field, including 1 of 2 from downtown, and contributed five assists and three rebounds.

Okeke and Okoro become the 24th and 25th players in program history to play in the NBA. The duo became the first pair of former Tigers to play in the same season since Marquis Daniels (Indiana) and Pat Burke (Phoenix) in 2006-07.

Okeke is the second former Auburn player to suit up for the Magic, joining the aforementioned Burke (2002-03). Okoro is the fourth former Tiger to play for the Cavs, joining Mike Mitchell (1978-82), Eddie Johnson (1985-86) and Wesley Person (1997-2002)

Jared Harper, who made his NBA debut for Phoenix last year, made the opening night roster for the New York Knicks.