Cleveland Cavaliers: The 2 biggest X-factors in 2021-22

Cavs X-factor #2 in 2021-22: Isaac Okoro

Secondly, while it again is not a certainty for next season, I have Isaac Okoro as being the Cavs’ other X-factor that jumps out.

Okoro had some growing pains on both ends of the floor, and 9.6 points in 32.4 minutes per outing last season wasn’t particularly noteworthy. I’m not saying that it was, and Okoro knocked in just 29.0 percent of his three-point attempts.

However, given the circumstances for rookies last season, and with it clear coming into last season that he was going to be somewhat raw offensively, Okoro’s rookie year was alright. And frankly, with the defensive workload he had game-in and game-out, I cut him some slack for the inconsistencies in Year 1.

With the strong close to his rookie season in which he averaged 16.2 points in his last 12 games, and with Okoro having a full offseason this go-round, I can co-sign the view of a recent Cavs team post in thinking Okoro could be set for a Year 2 leap, too.

Granted, we will have to see if Okoro can make strides with his shooting, and that will be a key storyline for Cleveland from here, in regards to if the reported extensive offseason work there for him can pay off.

Additionally, can the Auburn product continue to display more on-ball ability like he did near the closing of last season, injuries for some others from then aside? Can he be more of an impact team defender game-to-game in his second year?

These are the kinds of questions that will need to be answered throughout next season for the second-year wing.

To reiterate though, I do firmly believe that with Okoro’s strength/defensive abilities and mindset there, if he is more assertive from the jump next season and maintains that, he can be a big reason Cleveland ascends.

Only time will tell.