The Cleveland Cavaliers will be strong contenders in the Eastern Conference going into the next season after locking down All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell to a new contract. But the same cannot be said for Isaac Okoro, a gifted wing who was reportedly linked to the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason. Okoro was a former lottery pick.
Okoro had a great career playing high school basketball at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, prior to joining the NBA. There, in his final year, he guided his squad to a state title and a national rating.
Cavaliers of Cleveland, Isaac Okoro
December 23, 2023, Chicago, Illinois, USA: In the second half at United Center, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35), a player versus the Chicago Bulls, drives to the hoop. Unavoidable Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Kamill Krzaczynski
Okoro committed to play collegiate basketball at Auburn University and was regarded as a top recruit. He was selected to the SEC All-Defensive Team and Second Team All-SEC as a freshman. Following a stellar college campaign, Okoro announced his intention to enter the 2020 NBA Draft. The Cavaliers selected him fifth overall.
Okoro earned a position on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after demonstrating promise as a two-way wing player during his rookie campaign. For the Mitchell and the Cavaliers in his first few seasons, he has been a vital rotation player, displaying his defensive prowess and developing his offensive ability significantly. As the Cavs seek to make a run at the playoffs, Okoro’s combination of agility, perimeter defense, and improving scoring talents has made him a valuable member of the team’s young core.
The Brooklyn Nets are a potential destination for Isaac Okoro of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cavaliers of Cleveland, Isaac Okoro
USA; Detroit, Michigan; February 24, 2022; In the second half at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles on Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35). Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski
The Cleveland-owned defensive-minded guard is a restricted free agent going into the offseason. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype writes that Okoro has a strong likelihood of playing for the Nets in the upcoming campaign.
Although nothing with Brooklyn is thought to be imminent, the Nets are one of the teams that are thought to be a potential sign-and-trade partner for Okoro, according to sources. As previously reported by HoopsHype, sources stated that Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has piqued Cleveland’s interest in a trade and has been brought up in talks for Okoro. There are rumors that Cleveland is also considering Cam Johnson,” Scotto stated.
Okoro averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 39 percent shooting from the field in the previous campaign. The guard is productive on the defensive end of the floor, as evidenced by his 0.7 defensive rating, even though his offensive box score of -1.8 is quite low.
Cavaliers of Cleveland, Isaac Okoro
March 8, 2022, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA: In the first half of play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon (7) protects the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35), a forward, shoots the ball. Trevor Ruszkowski of USA TODAY Sports must be given credit.
Where Okoro ends up when the next season starts is yet unknown. Either way, when the NBA returns later this year, the Cavs will be looking to get the most out of their players in an attempt to improve.
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