The Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled at times to find a spot for Isaac Okoro throughout his young career. The former fifth-overall pick has always offered a strong defensive presence but has struggled to find his identity on offense.
Isaac Okoro has had many roles for the Cavaliers but has always maintained a consistent role for the most part. Okoro has seen copious minutes as a starter, as well as a somewhat depleted role off the bench. Cleveland has looked to re-assert Okoro as a versatile defender in their rotation this season.
Since he was drafted in 2020, Cleveland has since added Caris LeVert, Georges Niang and Max Strus. These are all players ahead of Okoro in offensive looks and he has looked to establish himself offensively.
Throughout his career, Isaac Okoro has lacked consistent touch from behind the arc. In his first three seasons, Okoro held a three-point percentage of just 31%. Cleveland has looked to get Isaac catch-and-shoot looks to continue his development as a three-and-D wing.
Playing for an extension this season, all signs show that Okoro has appeared to take that leap for the Cavaliers. Through six games, Isaac Okoro is already shooting the second-most threes per game of his career at 2.5 and connecting on 40% of those shots, which is another career high.
For the Cavaliers this season, Okoro has started five out of six contests, putting up 9.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists. In this role, Okoro has managed career-highs in rebounds and assists. Cleveland has upped Okoro’s minutes from 21.7 per game last year to 28.8 this year and he is capitalizing.
Currently, Okoro is dealing with a knee injury that has kept him sidelined for three straight games including Saturday’s matchup versus Golden State. The 22-year-old is practicing and will look to make his return soon. The Cavaliers have dealt with their share of injuries to start the 2023 campaign and will look to get healthy as they gear up for three straight games on the road.
Expect Okoro to continue his solid play upon his return and give the Cavaliers valuable minutes in whatever role he is in. If he can continue to take that next step offensively, Cleveland will jump at the opportunity to extend Okoro’s contract.
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