Isaac Okoro is a player that can have an instant impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers and potentially take them to the next level.
Entering year three of an ongoing rebuild, the Cleveland Cavaliers are finally beginning to create something that resembles a promising future. Their newest addition, Isaac Okoro, is joining several young prospects that can complement each other next season.
The Cavaliers addressed one of their biggest needs by selecting Okoro with the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The SEC All-Defensive member is going to have an instant impact on the perimeter for Cleveland and hopefully help them avoid ranking dead last in defensive rating for the third year in a row.
Okoro is a muscular athlete with a 6’9” wingspan. His quick feet and fluid hips will allow him to defend multiple positions straight out the gate as a rookie. Adding a dynamic defender like Okoro could prove to be vital to keeping Darius Garland and Collin Sexton on the floor together as Okoro’s versatility can be used to cover up for any weakness in the backcourt.
According to Synergy Basketball, Okoro held opponents to 20.0 percent shooting in one-on-one situations during his time in Auburn. Most notably, he clamped No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards in both of their meetings. Edwards shot just 13-for-31 from the field and committed 10 turnovers in two games with Okoro as his primary defender.
Playing defense won’t be a problem for Okoro. But, scoring the ball might be an issue. He shot below 30.0 percent from deep in college. This is something he will have to work on to fulfill his role as a 3-and-D threat. Still, his aggressive attitude makes him a deadly slasher who isn’t afraid to crash into opponents on his way to the rim.
Cavaliers’ insider Chris Fedor has stated (subscription required) that Okoro is already displaying a strong work ethic. Okoro reportedly went straight to the Cavaliers practice facility for a workout during his introductory press conference. Okoro also said during his time with the press that he is committed to working day and night to improve his 3-point shot.
Okoro says it's all about getting in the gym and working on it. Early mornings, late nights. Just trying to get his better. (On his three-point shot.)
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) November 20, 2020
The most intriguing aspect of Okoro’s game is his untapped potential as a playmaker. Something he personally believes will surprise fans the most in his rookie season. Okoro displayed a natural understanding of the game in Auburn, making some impressive passes that only a true playmaker could envision. It will be interesting to see if he can etch out a secondary playmaking role with the Cavs.
We’ve talked about how Okoro will be a strong defender from day one, with the ceiling to blossom into a 3-and-D playmaker. But, how does his presence affect the rest of the roster? What else do the Cavaliers have to do in this offseason?
First on their list should be determining what to do in free agency. It seems likely that Tristan Thompson signs elsewhere and it’s been made clear that Cleveland will look to trade Andre Drummond and Kevin Love throughout the season. It’s uncertain what the Cavs plan to do with Matthew Dellevadova, but we can bet on the Cavaliers bringing the backup guard back on a veteran minimum contract.
This leaves the Cavs’ core rotation looking like this:
- Darius Garland – Starter
- Collin Sexton – Starter
- Cedi Osman – Starter/Bench
- Isaac Okoro – Starter/Bench
- Kevin Love – Starter
- Andre Drummond – Starter
- Kevin Porter Jr. – 6th Man
- Larry Nance Jr. – Bench
- Dylan Windler – Bench
- Dante Exum – Bench
- Alfonzo McKinnie – Bench
- Matthew Dellevadova – Bench
It wouldn’t hurt to add a more reliable backup point guard as Exum’s health is an ongoing concern and Dellevadova is their only other option. Perhaps they can try to stagger Sexton and Garland’s minutes more to resolve this. If not, names like Yogi Ferrell, Brad Wannamaker, Shabbaz Napier and Shaquille Harrison might be quality reserves.
Lastly, adding a backup center should be on their mind moving forward. Some free agents that could fill roles while Cleveland looks to trade Love and Drummond consist of Bismack Biyombo, Noah Vonleh, Alex Len and Willie Cauley-Stein.
Even with dream scenarios of filling in every gap of the roster, it’s still unlikely the Cavs push for the playoffs this season. Though, the newly implemented play-in tournament offers a slim chance to battle if they can reach the 10th seed.
It would require near perfect coordination between the four young members of this roster for them to make the jump. Garland, Sexton, Porter and Okoro need to work on building chemistry together. Some signs of growth and ability to play alongside each other are needed for this core, especially between Garland and Sexton.
Porter needs to embrace his role as a sixth man or flourish to the point of forcing his way into the starting lineup. Sexton must continue down a path of being an efficient scorer while both he and Garland need to improve on defense and as playmakers. Garland, in particular, has to show some of the elite shot creation that made him a top-five pick last year.
As for Okoro, we know his path to success already. He will be a starter in no-time if he can defend at a high-level, act as a tertiary distributor and knock down a reasonable amount of 3-pointers. The Cavs will finally have some reason for optimism if these four prospects hit their stride this season.