Every NBA Champion has had that one guy, that stopper on defense that could score you a bucket every so often and the Cavs are hoping Issac Okoro is that guy. So much so, they decided to keep him long term as the two sides agreed on a three year extension for the former fifth overall pick in the NBA draft. Does Okoro have what it takes to be that stopper for this team and lead them to the next level? Last season the Celtics had Derrick White in a similar role, the year before the Nuggets used Bruce Brown that way. Draymond Green with Golden State and Milwaukee had Pat Connaughton. All of them had the ability to play solid defense and score when called upon. Does Okoro show the promise of being that guy?
Offensively, we have seen Okoro working on his jump shot going into last season. Bally Sports commentators commented early on that he was working really hard on that jumper and three point ball, but when injuries hit, the noise went away. He’s never averaged double digit points in a season but did set a career high in points scored last season with 647 for an average of 9.4 which was up three points from the previous season. His three point percentage did go up by 10% points to a career-high 39% so the improvement was there, but the consistency needs to be proven.
Another stat that shows improvement is that his turnover ratio was down to 7.5 down from 10.2 his rookie year. He showed that he is holding on to the ball and not costing his team, something that has haunted the Cavs in the past. The numbers suggest a slight improvement for a guy who has always shown hustle and intensity when there was a need.
I like Isaac and I like what he brings to the Cavs, there was a sense of intensity on defense that this team needs. A lot of focus has been on the defense and specifically Jarrett Allen and what he has provided but Okoro has been the heart. Okoro can be seen diving across the floor for a loose ball, playing lockdown defense and forcing bad shots from opposing teams’ best players, and he does it all quietly but with an intensity that speaks volumes. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley get the press and notoriety, but players like Okoro are who is going to drive this team and hopefully take them all the way holding that trophy in June.
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