#3: Showcase his playmaking abilities for the Cavs
Looking back at his scouting report once again, one thing that was overlooked was Okoro’s playmaking abilities. Seeing as his role was limited at his time at Auburn, this ability by him wasn’t showcased.
In a scouting report from The Stepien’s Spencer Pearlman, he said how Okoro was a “legitimately good PnR passer” and does a “great job seeing the full perimeter,” which shouldn’t be discounted. Looking at notable stats, per Synergy Sports and as h/t Pearlman, Okoro ranked in the 93rd percentile in regards to efficiency as a pick-and-roll passer, with most of that via passing to spot-up shooters.
Though we didn’t see much of that PnR passing volume, the potential is there and it’s worth the Cleveland Cavaliers to note for the future. During certain points of the season, the Cavaliers could experiment with Okoro as a secondary playmaker depending on who is on the court with him.
Having this ability is great for the Cavs because they could use this to work Okoro into different lineups as well.
Playmaking was hard to come by for the Cavaliers seeing as they were the seventh-worst team in assists per game last season with 23.1.
Having two young guards as your backcourt will do this to a team but, Okoro should be able to take the pressure off of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton if his playmaking is actually something of great potential.
And Okoro having five assists in his first start/game for Cleveland on Wednesday, in which he had two turnovers, which wasn’t all that many, given the circumstances, was a positive sign.