Orlando Magic's Chuma Okeke Reveals Thoughts Going Into Contract Year

NBA players face a lot of pressure heading into a contract year, but Orlando Magic forward Chuma Okeke isn't focused on it and is only focusing on what he can do on the court.

Chuma Okeke has had a very up and down couple of seasons to start his career with the Orlando Magic. 

The young forward has been plagued by injuries to start his career, really limiting everyone being able to see what he can really do.

Okeke had to take a gap year to start his career, as he had suffered an ACL tear in the NCAA Tournament when he was with Auburn. That injury, along with a number of others since his rookie season have really kept him off the court, especially this past season.

Orlando Magic forward Chuma Okeke defends Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

He only appeared in 27 games last season for the Magic, and he only averaged 4.7 points per game as a result of his inconsistency with being able to be on the court. Now, Okeke's rookie contract is expiring at the end of this season, so that may be a good motivation for him. Okeke talked more about this at the Magic's media day.

"Of course it weighs on my mind," Okeke said. "It's just natural. Whatever happens is gonna happen. I've just gotta control what I can control and leave it at that"

Okeke seems to be handling the pressure very well all things considered, with the Magic gaining more depth off the bench as of late. Okeke will have another chance to prove that he is worth another contract as he and the rest of the Magic will be taking on the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.