Cavs: Lack of pull-up game still hinders Isaac Okoro

A pull-up could help open up more playmaking opportunities, and it’d lead to more open interior looks as a result

At least in the near term, if he attempts a few shots in the pull-up and/or floater game, perhaps out of pick-and-roll, it could eventually lead to more free throws, or open up interior looks off of hesitations or quick bursts.

That sort of thing could enable him to have more pick-and-roll counters, and it could help open up productive ball-swings off of that as well, which would pay off for Cleveland’s offense.

I acknowledge that last season, it was a tough set of circumstances for Okoro, and he began this season off the bench, and still might be a fair amount from here. But for his offensive progression, his lack of pull-up shooting, or even willingness to attempt those looks after a full offseason where he was reportedly working tirelessly on his shot, has been concerning.

Hopefully, Cleveland is letting him know to shoot some pull-ups here and there, to help open up more of his game inside, and maybe help create more looks as a secondary playmaker for his teammates off of his drives.

That second point is really where some pull-up viability could be a boost for the Cavaliers’ offense, as if Okoro demonstrated willingness to take those, if defenders were to rotate to him, other movement from others could help Garland, Evan Mobley when healthy and other guys. That’s not how it is currently, though, and defenders off-ball often stunt hard to close off Okoro’s drives.

Granted, I’m not going to just completely grill the 20-year-old yet. He’s just in Year 2, and still is a key defensive presence that can get better if the offensive end comes along further.

Right now, the Cavs do need some more out of him if he’s going to be an interim starter, however, particularly in times at the 2.