No. 2 – Isaac Okoro, for SG/potentially SF
Like I mentioned in my previous article, Isaac Okoro shot very well from distance after the All-Star break. Okoro shot 44.2% from 3 in that stretch, and shot 44.7% from the corner triple. So Okoro’s jump shot might be catching up to speed. And don’t forget he is one of the best perimeter defenders the Cavs have had in a while.
With Okoro starting at the shooting guard or even small forward, the Cavs’ perimeter defense will be better than it already is. Evan Mobley has shown that he can be a tremendous perimeter defender if needed at times, and if Okoro were to start at the 2, with Lauri Markkanen at the 3 again, Cleveland could further build on their defensive success from last season.
Additionally, Jarrett Allen’s perimeter defense is underrated, and Darius Garland can make the right play defensively from time to time. And, the Cavs’ defense, something that has been stressed heavily by head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, could have a chance to be top 5 in the league with Okoro starting again, in this sense.
Now, Sexton could be back, and for now, it’s reportedly likely Caris LeVert begins the season as the starting 2. One would think that at least LeVert could have his share of chances in that regard, but keep an eye on Okoro potentially breaking back into the starting unit again at some point in 2022-23.
However Bickerstaff decides to play around with the starter players, I expect the team to have another very successful season, where they take another step forward.