Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 key takeaways from Isaac Okoro’s rookie year

Takeaway #2 from Okoro’s rookie year for the Cavs: Intrigue

Part of the intrigue of Okoro, when he was drafted by the Cavs last year, was that he was a versatile player, could defend really well with his length and wingspan and could guard most of the opponents players, whether they were a guard or forward.

Okoro played one season at Auburn, averaged just under 13 points, but did a lot for the Tigers on the defensive side of the ball as well. Sometimes, being that young and coming out of college and into the NBA can be intimidating and regardless of the expectations those dreams can go south quickly.

That’s not the case with Okoro and the Cavs. There are those consistencies on defense, like moving his feet and staying in good defensive positioning, plus his talent to glide down in transition defense and cut off potential easy buckets for the opponent, that keep him in that starting rotation.

The Cavs have pretty much forced themselves to keep Okoro in the starting five. At this point, it wouldn’t do much good to sit him, but the Cavaliers will hopefully and certainly expect more from this young Cavalier next season.

After watching Sexton and Garland pretty much be the highlight reel for the Cavs this season, Okoro has had a chance to play more under the radar.