Cup of Cavs: Isaac Okoro deserves more than Cavs can offer
Cavs news and links for Monday, July 29.
The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly offered RFA Isaac Okoro a multi-year extension of $8-10 million annually. Okoro has not agreed to this deal, and his decision might be justified.
The first sip
Okoro’s current status is unfortunate. He’s a gifted defender whose offensive warts are impossible to ignore. Consecutive postseasons where Okoro could not demand attention from the three-point line have soured the tangible growth he has shown as a shooter throughout his four-year career.
The Cavs have become an elite defensive team and Okoro’s role is no small part. He’s a premiere point-of-attack defender who has consistently accepted the most difficult assignments. His defensive efforts in the NBA Playoffs helped to push Cleveland over the Orlando Magic. Of course, Okoro’s offensive limitations are a major reason the series went to seven games, to begin with. That gives us the conundrum we have today.
At 23, Okoro still holds the 3-and-D blueprint. He’s shot 37% on 500+ three-point attempts since his rookie season and is knocking on the door as an All-Defensive caliber player. Yet, his development has lagged behind Cleveland’s accelerated timeline — leaving Okoro, and the Cavs, in an awkward position.
The Cavs are running out of financial wiggle room and have every reason to be cautious about overspending on a prospect who still leaves much to be desired entering his fifth season. Likewise, it’s reasonable for Okoro to expect more than what the Cavs are offering.
An argument can be made that Okoro’s development has never been properly prioritized — and that his role as a “stationary corner shooter” is far from ideal. An opportunity in a new offense under Kenny Atkinson could help Okoro realize his potential as a slasher and tertiary playmaker.
This dilemma may be kicked down the road. Okoro can accept his qualifying offer of $12 million for this upcoming season and potentially earn a larger payday in 2025. The question is, how much does Okoro believe in himself? And to what degree do the Cavs feel the same way?
Random Cavalier of the day - George Hill
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Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Perhaps not the most beloved Cavalier in franchise history. George Hill enjoyed a successful career as a sturdy, reliable point guard for various teams. For Cavs fans, that reliability could have saved us from some heartbreak.
George Hill shot 80% from the free throw line for his career. In Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals, Hill shot 50% from the free throw line. While you may have forgotten this stat — you will certainly remember what happened after.
Basketball on today
- US women’s national team vs. Japan - 3 PM on NBC