- Report: Cavs believed to be targeting shooting help as deadline approaches
- Report: Cavs dangling Cedi Osman more than Caris LeVert in trade talks as they search for wing help
- Dean Wade sends stern warning to rest of NBA if Darius Garland isn’t named to All-Star Game
- Report: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George among several Clippers missing game vs. Cavs
- Cavs insider tells fans to keep an eye on Josh Hart as trade rumors swirl
- Report: Hawks big man John Collins has been connected to Cavs in trade rumors
- Report: Cavs not looking to trade Caris LeVert despite interest from teams like Lakers and Clippers
- Report: Cavs could likely get Doug McDermott for Dylan Windler and picks, though they may no longer want him
- Detroit Pistons insider believes team will target Caris LeVert this offseason
- Darius Garland uplifts Donovan Mitchell after he takes blame for Cavs loss vs. Knicks
Report: Isaac Okoro has been working ‘tirelessly’ on his offensive game this offseason
- Updated: September 7, 2022
The Cleveland Cavaliers are all of a sudden one of the teams in the NBA that a lot of people are keeping an eye on.
After years of drafting smartly and adding talented veterans through free agency and trades, the Cavs finally made the final move to put the last nail in the coffin of their post-LeBron James era rebuild when they acquired star guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz.
With the move, the starting lineup is populated with three All-Stars in Mitchell, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen and one player who some believe has the potential to be a Hall of Famer in Evan Mobley.
That leaves just the starting small forward spot up in the air at the moment. Right now, the two players who are seen as the most likely options to fill that hole are Caris LeVert and youngster Isaac Okoro. LeVert is certainly the stronger offensive player, but Okoro is considered to be one of the best young defenders in the NBA.
However, LeVert may not have the leg up on Okoro on the offensive side of the ball for long. The Auburn University product is reportedly working “tirelessly” on his offensive game this summer.
“Thankfully, Okoro acknowledged during his exit interviews with the media that he and the Cavaliers both agreed that he needed to improve in all facets of offense, shooting included,” Evan Dammarell wrote. “Sources share with Right Down Euclid that Okoro has been working tirelessly at Auburn during the offseason on his offensive game, trying to find consistency beyond the arc prior to the start of training camp. Granted, the difference between individual workouts and actual five-on-five action that Okoro’s shooting will face is vast. But, it’s a hopeful sign of things to come this upcoming season.”
Earlier this offseason, the 21-year-old sent out a pretty direct message to the world about his summer work.
View this post on Instagram
Okoro has mostly served as a starter since he joined the Cavs as their top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He has started in all but six games that he has suited up for in his professional career.
Last season, he averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Clearly, his offensive production could use some improvement. However, that is not to say that he hasn’t flashed potential in the past.
He had numerous double-digit scoring efforts last season, including a stretch in December when he scored double digits in six of seven games. He scored 16 or more points in four of those games.
If he can enjoy more stretches like that this season and maintain his defensive prowess, he could become a very valuable member of the Cavs lineup.
Whether or not he ends up earning that starting role remains to be seen.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login