Cavs: Best and worst-case scenarios for Isaac Okoro in 2021-22

Cavs: Best-case scenario for Okoro in 2021-22

The Cleveland-based team will likely be expecting significant strides to be made by Okoro in numerous areas. While it’s probably best not to expect him to substantially increase his production from range this season, it is fair game to expect a small improvement in that department.

As a rookie Okoro attempted just 3.2 triples a game whilst completing a paltry 29.0 percent of said attempts. In a lineup featuring truly only 2 reliable 3-point shooters respectively in Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, Okoro will, at the very least, have to contribute a three-point percentage north of 34.0 percent while attempting around 4 triples a game in order to properly space the floor.

The former Auburn Tiger is already developing into a threat as an off-ball cutter placing in the 70th percentile during his rookie season, per Synergy Sports. Growth in this area could prove instrumental in keeping him on the floor and while the cutting lanes may be scarce at first while the team works to find ways to best utilize the frontcourt pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, they should eventually start to open as the season carries on.

If Okoro is able to add a semblance of a perimeter game and continues to find openings as a cutter, his points per game will increase. His ball-handling responsibilities will entirely depend upon what rotations Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is able to scheme up. Theoretically, Okoro could see some of his minutes with the second unit and act as a secondary ball-handler opposite Ricky Rubio.

Defensively, Okoro is the real deal in most aspects. It’s part of the reason why he was selected so highly. He is listed at 6-foot-5 which maybe a bit generous but he still manages to hold his own against larger forwards while more naturally a fit against true 2-guards.

Overall, he posted a defensive rating of 117.3, which was actually near the bottom of the league, per StatMuse. That was hardly all on him, though, and he should be able improve in that regard with a true defensive force in Evan Mobley now manning the 4, to go with Jarrett Allen still, too.

Best-case scenario, Okoro averages 13.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and canning 34.0 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc in addition to earning an All-Defensive nod.