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Cleveland Cavaliers: Keys to success for each young star

By Tony Pesta

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with Kevin Porter Jr. #4 against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with Kevin Porter Jr. #4 against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Isaac Okoro

Defense

Isaac Okoro will have to rely on his strongest attribute to shine early in his career. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 225 pounds of pure muscle, Okoro is already big enough to disrupt opponents on the perimeter. Using his size and athleticism will be key to helping his team thrive on defense.

The Cavaliers have ranked as the league’s worst defense in back to back seasons. Okoro’s presence can help them avoid this trend, as he is the only player on the roster capable of guarding multiple positions with ease.

It’s rare for first-year players to enter the league and be elite on defense. The skill gap between college and the NBA is enormous, meaning it will take time for Okoro to adjust to the speed of professional competition.

Nonetheless, Okoro has the physical gifts needed to be an impactful player from day one. Okoro will succeed if he is willing to put in the work needed to learn the game.

Playmaking

One of Okoro’s most underrated talents is his knack for playmaking. He is gifted at attacking the defense. His natural instincts help him slash into the paint and find open teammates on kick-outs. He made some eye-popping passes in college, leaving us to believe he can be effective at the NBA level as well.

The backcourt duo of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland has been ridiculed for their lack of court vision. Adding a secondary distributor like Okoro could help create a more fluid offensive environment for the Cavaliers.

Shooting

The biggest x-factor for Okoro will be his shooting. He shot below 30 percent from the 3-point line in Auburn, making him one of the least efficient prospects of his class.

Okoro has solid mechanics and a strong work ethic that can help him overcome this weakness. Still, it is pivotal that he becomes a reliable threat from behind the 3-point line for him to succeed in the NBA.

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