Isaac Okoro Has Never Been So Hot

Isaac Okoro continues to impress in what has been a career year.

3 & D?

In the summer, Okoro signed a three-year, $38 million contract.

Through 21 games, Okoro has shot 46.3% from three and has focused his shot profile towards that, where he is shooting 57.4% of his shots from deep. In his first four years, he improved his three-point percentage every season. This development has made him a primary bench player on the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

It is about more than just the percentages, even though those help. Instead of a catch-and-hold before driving or finally letting it fly, his shot is immediately and within the flow of the offense. His shot confidence has never been more evident, and everybody is better because of it.

In his lone season at Auburn, the future Cavs draftee shot 20/70 from three, good for 28.6%.

The Cavs selected Okoro fifth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft primarily because of his defense. He was considered a future lockdown defender at 6 feet 6 inches and 220 pounds. He has quick feet and high strength.

Although he has never received a vote for an All-Defensive Team, Okoro remains a top-tier perimeter defender.

The Cavs regularly trust the young wing to defend some of the best in the league. He has guarded Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, Paolo Banchero, and many others.

Being asked to shadow these offensive talents and hit threes on the other end takes a lot of work.

You hear chatter about how 3&D wings are some of the most valuable players. The Cavs may have found one in the draft, even if his shooting developments blossomed later in his career.

Isaac Okoro’s Role Significance

In his rookie season, Okoro started all 67 games on a Cavs team that won 22 games. In the following three years, he started 149/212 games. His minutes have fluctuated throughout his five-year career. Okoro has only started games where the Cavs suffered injuries this year and last.

Although this change could affect the 23-year-old’s confidence, he has embraced the challenge and done everything the organization has asked of him.

Under Kenny Atkinson, Okoro has been utilized a little differently on offense. When J.B. Bickerstaff was here, Okoro mainly found opportunities in transition and the corners. Atkinson has toyed with using Okoro as a screener, who then has to make a read after receiving the pass on the roll. This decrease in typical playing time and being put in playmaking situations has led to a new career-high assist percentage at 10.4%. Additionally:

• Okoro is setting career highs in multiple categories, such as accurate shooting (TS), where he now proudly holds a 62.1 TS%.
• Okoro has improved his turnover percentage by 6.5% (9.1 last year).
• His BPM (box plus-minus) is currently at 0.5, a career-high.

These developments could sustain Okoro’s vital role as the seventh man when Max Strus returns from injury.

Closing Thoughts

Since being drafted, Isaac Okoro has been a polarizing player for the Cavs fan base. Over the years, his lack of offensive production has raised eyebrows, but Okoro seems to be hitting a stride under Kenny Atkinson’s leadership. Okoro could force himself into interesting conversations within the Cavs front office if the shooting continues.

Even though his per-game averages have never been eye-popping, Okoro’s impact is always felt. Just ask the opposing team’s best player.