Fresh off a season in which he averaged 9.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and shot just 29% from 3PT range, there is nowhere for Isaac Okoro to go but up. Okoro was put through the proverbial fire during the 2020-21 season as he was often given the toughest defensive assignments on a nightly basis and has already matched up against many of the NBA's most prolific talents and came out a better player for it.
Sophomore year surge?
The Auburn product started to show a semblance of a burgeoning offensive game as throughout the month of May, he put up 16.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Yes, 9 games is a small sample size, but it was highly encouraging to see a player most draft analysts characterized as raw begin to come into his own on the offensive side. This was perhaps highlighted in a late-season loss against the Phoenix Suns in which Okoro tallied a career high 32 points on 10-16 from the field including 3-4 from deep while also defending both Chris Paul and Devin Booker, both of which were in the NBA Finals.
One thing to note about that stretch of games is that it came during a period of time in which he suited up at SG in a number of games due to Darius Garland missing all but one game in May. With Collin Sexton forced to start at PG, Okoro was able to focus more of his time on offensive development and he genuinely looked the part of a starting 2-guard which left some to ponder what his best position may be moving forward. It's a fair question. But not one the Cleveland-based team needs answered right now.
If Okoro can carry his late-year uptick into the following season, he could continue to validate the Cavs decision to draft him in the top 5. I honestly believe that he has the most potential of all current players on the team and has the talent and natural ability to become one of the league's best wings. He is a bit undersized at the small forward position but as he continues to grow into his body and mature, that should change.
So much of Ice's continued progression will depend upon what the team decides to do in the upcoming NBA draft. Bringing in a guard like Jalen Green who could potentially steal some minutes at the 3 could prove problematic for numerous players including Okoro. Drafting a big man like Evan Mobley could solidify Cleveland's need at the 4 but many are not sold on Mobley's fit with the team's current starting center: Jarrett Allen. The bottom-line is that Koby Altman and co. have some tough decisions ahead.
Prediction for the upcoming season
Isaac Okoro will take a giant leap forward as he garners votes for both the NBA's All-Defensive team as well as the Most Improved Player award. I believe with every bone in my body that Ice will be among the finalists for these nominations. If you need a reminder of what this young man is capable of, look no further:
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